Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Time for Change...

Wow, once again I get myself to my blog page because I feel like I haven't added anything new in awhile...and WHAM, I face the reality that a whole year has gone by in a blip of time.

Facebook changes today...love them or hate them. The verdict is out for me but I don't "dislike" it as much as I did the AM. And I would like to see the "dislike" button added back to the features.

Social media can create social change, one person at a time. My goal between now and Nov 6th is to try to inact some type of tidal social wave. Why would I pick nov 6th, you may ask? That is when we go off Daylight Savings time, another shift in our biological frame and a good time to enact change in our world.

We'll see what happens but I hope you join me for the wave...it may be a good ride for a change!

And just so you have something pretty to look at, here is a link into my Etsy store!

Monday, September 27, 2010

The Importance of Setting a Table...

Normally I would put my own spin on the ideas that float around the ole "WWW" but here is a good reason to decorate your tables on a daily basis. I hope your kitchens are a cozy spot for family meal time...if not, you know who to contact!
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The Importance of
Setting a Nice Table
By Leanne Ely, C.N.C.


Dear Friends,

Setting a nice table is often overlooked but its importance should not be minimized. Having a nice table setting affects your enjoyment of the meal which can even affect how well you digest your food. After putting in the effort involved in thoughtful menu planning and healthy cooking, don't tarnish the meal by having a disorganized presentation or worse, eating in the living room or in front of computers and televisions.

This is a time where you can either go it alone, or you can call in the children and husband to help with the table setting. This means silverware positioned properly around the plate and matching or complimentary glasses and everything in its place. Not only will this make dinner more enjoyable and relaxing, it will teach your children manners and the proper way to do things in a civilized society. Believe it or not, being able to eat politely and practice good conversational skills is something your children need to learn as eating dinner with an employer or even on a job interview could be in their future.

Little touches can really add to the mood of the meal. A nice centerpiece can add to the atmosphere. You can choose something that matches the room or go with a theme that is appropriate for the season. This shows your family that you care about making mealtime special for them. Children can help out by making center pieces during craft time. Sometimes it's the smallest touches that work quietly to make a big difference in overall mood.

Sitting down to eat a meal calmly is very important for digestion. It's not healthy to bounce up and down from the table to grab forgotten spoons or napkins. Try to anticipate the needs of your diners as well as the meal itself by setting out appropriate utensils and condiments in advance. Perhaps create a checklist for children who are setting the table so nothing is forgotten.

If you have some extra time, a cute vegetable garnish like a radish rose or carrot curls is a great way to make the plate look prettier while sneaking in some extra nutrition. By taking the time to set a nice table before the meal begins, you can ensure that everyone is able to sit down and enjoy their meal in peace.
Love,
Leanne, Your Dinner Diva
Saving Your Dinner since 2001, http://savingdinner.com

WANT TO USE MY ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE?
You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
Copyright (C) 2010 www.savingdinner.com Leanne Ely, CNC All rights reserved.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The Arrival of Fall...


Before summer is over, I had to get one last project in that is pure summer fun. While in Germany, they were having a quarterly event where you can throw out unwanted items. It happened to be the day I showed up in town. I got a few items to convert into storage units but found these deck chairs in need of new covers, and I added the pillows for extra comfort. Check out my Facebook album for more "Treasures found in Germany"...


To signal the fall season, Domicil design will be a vendor at the Dover Apple Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct 2nd. We will have samples on display, pillows and table runners for sale (in time for holiday entertaining) and we will have a "Needlepoint Pillow Raffle. Come and say "Hi" and enjoy a few apples and a beautiful fall day!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Painting Season is Here!


Summer is almost here and the smell of paint is in the air...well, at least it is at my house. Did you know that paint is the least expensive and most dramatic change you can make to your interior? My foyer went from a deep, dramatic red (loved it but it has been here for 11 years!) to an elegant gray with off-white trim and crown molding. One wall will be a focal point because it will be papered with "grass cloth". My design is to have an architecturally rich but coastal/relaxed space with a neutral palette but plenty of contrast and texture!


I have a designer deck of colors from Sherwin-Williams that allows you to see the color in a larger swatch. You can also visit their site to play with the on-line color studio.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

New & Old World Design


I am spending the week in Germany and spent an afternoon in Mainz. Churches are usually a fascinating place to visit and see the history of people evident through the decor and statues of these magnificent structures. The juxtaposition of old and new world meeting was striking in these two stained glass windows in Mainz Cathedral. I love to mix old and new in interiors to produce a room that is blended and able to move forward without looking dated.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Inspired Pillow With Style!


Inspiration can come from many places. The website "www.etsy" has many home made items that support the home based craft industry. This pillow caught my eye...it may show up on my Mother's Day "Wish List" with the appropriate initial.

Go to www.etsy.com for more eye candy.