House of Fifty

HOUSE OF FIFTY ideas for inspired living Finding Balance:

One Working Mom’s Story

Feminine + Fabulous:

Bubble Boutique

50 Ideas We’re Thinking About

GET ORGANIZED! issue

ONE

This Season’s Fashion + Beauty Essentials

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summer

2011

WELCOME TO

HOUSE OF FIFTY

the premiere issue

on the cover

What is our favorite approach to decorating?

Start with something you already have and repurpose it into something

fabulous!

see the step-by-step instructions here

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR A short five months ago the decision to launch House of Fifty was made, with the idea of creating a publication that would focus on finding inspiration in the everyday. I truly believe that when one door closes another opens, or it’s time to start looking for one to open yourself! I had recently been approached about an exciting opportunity, but it went no further when the topic of my age was discussed. Up to this point I had believed my career had many opportunities yet to come. But this rejection hit hard, making me question my optimism. It wasn’t until I realized I would simply have to create those opportunities myself did I start to feel hopeful again.

Initially the thought was to write a newsletter that would expand upon the topics covered on my blog, Isabella & Max Rooms.

However, after discussing the concept with several people, it quickly became apparent a far more rewarding venture would unfold by teaming up with others, in a collaborative effort to create an e-zine.

Thanks to generous efforts of the contributors, House of Fifty has simply fallen into place. I can’t begin to tell you what fun it has been, particularly as my work often results in time spent working alone, to have the wonderful experience of working as a team with these talented women.

We look forward to sharing this premier issue with you and are already busy working on the Fall publication. We hope you’ll find inspiration here, as all of us have through the experience of making House of Fifty a reality. We look forward to hearing from you about how we can continue to bring valuable and inspiring content to you through future issues.

Sincerely,

Janell Beals, Founding Editor

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HOUSE OF FIFTY summer 2011 08

PREMIER ISSUE

12

03 Editor’s Letter

24

10 Flower Happiness

Welcome to the Premier Issue of House of Fifty!

Fresh flowers add life to a home. Here are the simple steps for creating a beautiful bouquet.

08 Contributors

12 Dreaming in White

They say it takes a village; thanks to these contributors, working on the first issue of House of Fifty was great fun!

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10

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27

Do you rent? We’re sharing an inspiring example of how you don’t always have to own to create a beautiful home.

24 Art We Love Art can transform a room. The work of these two artists caught our eye.

27 Our Favorite Mix

Along with art, music brings another wonderful layer to a home. Here are some of our favorite songs to get you moving.

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28

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50 52

56

28 Bubble Boutique

48 Summer Essentials

52 Walking Pretty

40 Making It Work

50 What’s In My Bag?

56 Our Favorite

Joelle Nesen of Maison, Inc details her approach to designing a fabulously feminine fashion boutique.

A working mother of seven shares how she successfully balances raising a family while running a fashion business.

With warmer weather comes fun and feminine wear, fashion designer Kayce Hughes shares her top picks.

Look to see what summer beauty essentials are in Beauty Editor Mimi Inman’s bag!

Easy to follow steps and a collection of great products to get your feet sandal-ready in no time.

Sandals of the Season

A fun pair of sandals that embrace the season’s key trends is an easy way to update your summer wardrobe.

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Get Along?

Differences of opinion can lead to better design and a more enriched world.

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94

72 Favorite Finds:

Message Board Chic

A collection of items to help you create a great looking and useful message center in your home.

66 Creating a Family

74 50 Ideas We’re

A step-by-step guide to help organize the schedules of everyone in your household.

Yes, we have a lot of things on our mind...

Command Center

Thinking About

76 Summer Dining

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76 58 Can’t We All Just

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84

Casual entertaining during the warm months is at its best when embracing the fresh produce of the season.

84 Meal Planning

A step-by-step guide on how to build a meal plan designed specifically for you and your family.

94 Pantry Happiness

A well organized pantry helps home life run smoother.

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100 118

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114 100 Want to Feed Your 114 10 Tips for Creating

Soul?

Walking for fitness and friendship; tips on how to begin a walking group.

103 She Believed She

Could

Who doesn’t need a little pick-me-up on a Monday morning!

104 Bringing Baby Home

Creative solutions for creating a one of a kind nursery.

a Delightful Nursery

From the basics to the finishing touches, here are ten key tips to consider when putting together a nursery.

118 A Diagnosis of the Handwritten Thank You

Can you imagine a future with no handwritten notes? We can’t.

126 120 Blogs We Love

If you’re anything like us, you love stumbling across a great blog. Here are a few of our favorites.

126 The Books on Our Shelves

While blogs are great, sometimes only a book will do.

Here are some great reads for bloggers, kids, and women looking for a little guidance in defining their authentic style.

THE TEAM: SUMMER 2011

premiere issue!

Janell Beals, Lakeitha Duncan,

FOUNDING EDITOR

NEW FEATURES EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS: Mimi Inman, BEAUTY EDITOR

Maria Carr,

DREAMY WHITES

8

Maria keeps busy running an online shop of charming French farmhouse finds while also writing a popular and inspiring blog.

Nicole Case,

FEATURES WRITER Nicole’s work focuses on energy and environmental issues, providing policy services to consumer-owned electric utilities.

Ewa,

DELISHHH On her blog Ewa shares a passion for international flavor, great recipes and a fascination with the global artistry of culinary delights.

Shari Miller, ART DIRECTOR

Courtney Fernan, A THOUGHTFUL PLACE This talented blogger infuses creativity and organization in all things home related.

A new feature on this blog is the addition of her E-design services.

Kayce Hughes, KAYCE HUGHES

Not only is Kayce busy raising her large family with style, but she also produces a line of feminine designs for women and an adorable collection of children’s clothing.

Wendy Hyde,

THE SHABBY NEST The author of this well loved blog enjoys writing about her passion for creating beautiful spaces, sharing how rooms can be pulled together on a budget.

Holly Mathis, Deborah Peterson Milne, HOLLY MATHIS DESIGNS Holly works with clients to create spaces that reflect the homeowner’s personality and family life. Her work has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens and HGTV.

DUMBWIT TELLHER Through her captivating blog Deborah documents trudging through life’s trenches with grace and humor, in a constant pursuit of stylish living.

Cristin Priest, Jennifer Rosson, Jade Timmerman, Pauline Wiles, SIMPLIFIED BEE

Simplified Bee was created to inspire by featuring style-savvy home organization, design solutions, products and tips that enable efficiency, while adding beauty.

STYLE YOUR LIFE

Talented wardrobe stylist Jennifer Rosson enjoys creating stylish looks for her clients who, as she says, are “real people with real lives and real budgets.”

FLIP FLOPS AND PEARLS DESIGN

THE ENGLISH ORGANIZER

Jade explores all that she loves about design on her blog. “I believe great design should be classic but easy to live in and every room in your home should be beautiful, no matter the budget.”

Pauline helps busy women organize their homes. Creating customized solutions based on individuals needs, she aims to improve each client’s daily routine.

thank you!

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lower

HAPPINESS

By Wendy Hyde

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There is no question that flowers can bring a smile to your face. Yet the benefits of fresh flowers go far beyond that. Studies have shown that fresh flowers act as a mood elevator. They increase feelings of happiness and decrease anxiety. Simply viewing fresh flowers leads to increased energy and heightened feelings of life satisfaction. Bringing home a bouquet of fresh flowers on a regular basis is a sound investment in your mental health.

TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FLOWERS, FOLLOW THESE 4 STEPS:

Step

1 Step

2 Step

3 Step

4

Look for freshly cut flowers with vibrant, green foliage. Avoid purchasing blooms that are displayed outside on the street.

Flowers stay fresher when kept cool and away from car exhaust.

Tend to your floral purchases as soon as possible. Start by trimming each stem at a 45 degree angle with a pair of sharp scissors.

Strip off any leaves that will fall below water level.

Create your arrangement using a clean vase filled with water that is room temperature. If you don’t have commercial flower food, add a few drops of household bleach to prevent bacterial growth.

To increase the life of your new arrangement, change the water every two to three days. Add floral food or a few drops of bleach, and re-trim the stems.

While there are many methods of formal flower arranging, creating a bouquet doesn’t need to be complicated. Your eye is your best guide.

With an arrangement that will be seen from all sides, place taller blooms in the center and surround them with shorter stems. If the flowers are of a single variety, gather them as a cluster in your hand and simply drop them as a bunch into a vase. The flowers will fan out naturally, creating a lovely casual arrangement.

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dreaming in

By Maria Carr

Talented blogger Maria Carr beautifully demonstrates that owning one’s house is not always required when creating a home.

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“I believe you can make any space what you want it to be. We do not own our home; in fact it is a modular house. Located on a ranch, we feel blessed to live here. By adding architectural pieces to the rooms I was able to create a home reminiscent of a farmhouse.

Because we rent the home there have been

no major changes apart from painting the walls, adding tin to the ceilings and changing out all the lighting. I believe you can give a rental your own personal touch just by changing the lighting in the home. Lights are easily installed and can be taken with you when moving to the next home.�

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“When redoing our bedroom I drew inspiration from two books, ‘The French Home’ and ‘Recycled Home’. After reading these books I was drawn to give this room a Provencal farmhouse feel. A few French architectural salvage pieces were brought in, while keeping

the space looking feminine at the same time. I kept to a mostly white palette and painted the walls a warm white, ‘Country Dairy‘ by Ralph Lauren. Pieces with different textures from various time periods and origins keep the design interesting.”

A green French cupboard introduces color while providing storage to house linens.

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The antique French painting adds a bit of color and charm to the room.

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Two antique doors from France were turned into a headboard.

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“I have an addiction to painting everything white. I love to decorate!�

“I love how these Lavender bottles add a small dose of color to the room, sitting on the 1950’s maple dresser purchased from a family friend.

It was sanded and painted white, and the glass knobs were found on eBay.”

“The antique chair was found for a very reasonable price and I had it recovered in antique homespun linen. This look would be easy to recreate by finding a similar piece at the flea 17 market.”

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The arched window came from a Spanish schoolhouse dating back to the late 1800's.

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A 1920’s desk and armoire originate from France.

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“Vintage French leather suitcases are used to store odds and ends. The leather brings a masculine element to the room.�

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“Inexpensive Euro Shams cover the pillows, while the gray striped grain sack pillow slips can be found at my shop. I chose to cover the comforter with an antique French linen sheet, similar sheets can be found at flea markets for a reasonable price, and paired it all with a bedskirt from Anthropologie.

This simple bedding helps to balance the rest of the room.�

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Here are Maria’s tips for creating a Provencal farmhouse look in your home: 1.

2.

5.

Look for doors at flea markets and antique stores.

Don’t be afraid to paint your own furniture.

“I have painted most of the furniture in our home myself.”

Use sheer curtains to keep a room feeling airy. Inexpensive curtains can be found at Ikea.

6.

3.

4.

Search for antique crystal chandeliers on eBay or at flea markets.

Look for furniture with good lines. “I am always willing to take a piece home that has good lines, but might be the wrong color.”

Try to see the potential in antiques and considering purchasing items that aren’t in perfect condition. “I found the chair at an antique store for a great price, the upholstery was in terrible condition, I almost didn’t buy it.”

7.

And most importantly, be patient when putting a room together. “I have lived in this home for 6 years; I am still working on it.”

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A R T W E Love

24

PORCELAIN JAR ON PINK CANVAS

BY ANNE HARWELL

A R T W E Love

DAY‘S AT THE MORN

BY MAYME BAKER

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HOUSE OF FIFTY Mix 'MoneyGrabber' Fitz & The Tantrums Pickin' Up The Pieces (2010) 'Beautiful Day' U2 - All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000) 'Life In Technicolor' Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (2008) 'People Got A Lotta Nerve' Neko Case Middle Cyclone Year (2009) 'Pink Moon' Nick Drake - Pink Moon (1972) 'Ashes to Ashes' Warpaint - Ashes to Ashes, Single (2010) 'Dog Days Are Over' Florence + The Machine Lungs (2009) 'Sinnerman' Nina Simone Thomas Crown Affair (2004) 'Young Folks' Peter Bjorn & John Writer's Block (2007) 'I Wanna Be Adored' The Ravonettes 50 Years of Dr. Martens (2010) '100 Days, 100 Nights' Sharon Jones & The DapKings-100 Days, 100 Nights (2007) 'Home' Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Up From Below (2009) 'Genius of Love' Tom Tom Club Tom Tom Club (1981) 'Steal My Sunshine' Len - Soundtrack Go (1999) 'I Gotta Feeling' The Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D (The Energy Never Dies) (2009) 'Hollywood' Michael Buble - Crazy Love (2010)

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Bubble

BOUTIQUE Interview by Janell Beals

Interior design by Maison Inc., Portland, Oregon Photography by David Papazian

W

hen first discovering this boutique I knew who was behind the design even before asking. Bubble Boutique, located in Portland, Oregon, is the fruition of a lifelong dream for owner Jessica Munn. Envisioning an elegant shop which invited shoppers in to discover a unique assortment of beautifully crafted garments, Jessica turned to Portland based design firm Maison Inc to make her vision a reality. Founded by interior designer Joelle 30

Nesen, this firm is known for creating traditional interiors with a modern mix, and has been featured in magazines such as House Beautiful and Elle DĂŠcor.

Walking into the boutique, one can’t help but notice the delightful cluster of light fixtures hanging above an oversized cash wrap. The pendants capture the name of the boutique perfectly, and paired with other luxurious yet unusual materials, a dynamic mix is created within the warehouse-style space.

I

recently had the opportunity to talk with designer Joelle Nesen about her approach to the design of Bubble Boutique.

Q. Q.

A. A.

Janell Beals: Tell me about the light fixtures above the cash wrap, they completely capture the name of the boutique in such an elegant yet fun way. Where were they found?

The panels behind the cash wrap also seem to set a tone for the design.

Can you tell me about them?

Joelle Nesen: The “bubbles� are from Arteriors. We thought they were a great way to marry old and new.

We knew we wanted a large scale installation of some sort. Large metal screens, Chinoiserie panels or a massive oil painting. The design with the panels won out. They are inspired by de Gournay wallpaper and hand painted by a local artist.

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I Q.

recently had the opportunity to talk with designer Joelle Nelson about her approach to the design of Bubble Boutique.

Janell Beals: Tell me about the light fixtures above the cash wrap, they completely capture the name of the boutique in such an elegant yet fun way. Where were they found?

Joelle Nelson: The “bubbles� are from Arteriors. We thought they were a great way to marry old and new.

The panels behind the cash wrap also seem to set a tone for the design. Can you tell me about them?

A. Q.

We knew we wanted a large scale installation of some sort. Large metal screens, Chinoiserie panels or a massive oil painting. The design with the panels won out.

They are inspired by de Gournay wallpaper and hand painted by a local artist.

Q. A.

The cabinetry is gorgeous, and massive. Was it custom made?

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The cash wrap was custom built by Eagle Designs and (again) hand-painted by a local artist.

I Q.

recently had the opportunity to talk with designer Joelle Nelson about her approach to the design of Bubble Boutique.

Janell Beals: Tell me about the light fixtures above the cash wrap, they completely capture the name of the boutique in such an elegant yet fun way. Where were they found?

Joelle Nelson: The “bubbles� are from Arteriors. We thought they were a great way to marry old and new.

The panels behind the cash wrap also seem to set a tone for the design. Can you tell me about them?

A. Q.

We knew we wanted a large scale installation of some sort. Large metal screens, Chinoiserie panels or a massive oil painting. The design with the panels won out.

They are inspired by de Gournay wallpaper and hand painted by a local artist.

Q.

A.

Can you tell me about the decision to paint the cabinetry behind the cash wrap white?

And where did you find the very tall lamps? They are in perfect proportion to their surroundings.

We thought the white would keep the back quiet and let the front stand out as the more dramatic piece. Also, we only could afford enough pink marble for the cash wrap so the back wall of cabinetry naturally became a backdrop.

This approach allowed the lamps to pop a little more. The lamps are from Global Views.

33

I Q.

recently had the opportunity to talk with designer Joelle Nelson about her approach to the design of Bubble Boutique.

Janell Beals: Tell me about the light fixtures above the cash wrap, they completely capture the name of the boutique in such an elegant yet fun way. Where were they found?

Joelle Nelson: The “bubbles” are from Arteriors. We thought they were a great way to marry old and new.

The panels behind the cash wrap also seem to set a tone for the design. Can you tell me about them?

What were the specific challenges in designing the space?

A. Q.

One of the challenges was that the space had previously been a clothing boutique that had a much different aesthetic, and we had to utilize some of the fixtures as well as the general footprint. That and What were the specific challenges in budget. We knew we needed a new and designing the space? substantial cash wrap that would become the centerpiece and it would take a large One of the challenges was that the space had chunk of our budget.

Q.

A.

previously been a clothing boutique that had a much different aesthetic, and we had to utilize Was there any item that was the starting some of the fixtures as well as the point of the design? general footprint. That and budget. We knew we needed a new and substantial cash wrap Jessica had some great inspiration picthat would become the centerpiece and it tures: industrial galvanized racks, beautiwould take a large chunk of our budget. ful French fashion, clean spaces…and bubbles.

Q.

34

A.

Was there any item that was the starting point of the design?

Jessica had some great inspiration pictures: industrial galvanized racks, beautiful French fashion, clean spaces... and bubbles.

I Q.

recently had the opportunity to talk with designer Joelle Nelson about her approach to the design of Bubble Boutique.

Janell Beals: Tell me about the light fixtures above the cash wrap, they completely capture the name of the boutique in such an elegant yet fun way. Where were they found?

Joelle Nelson: The “bubbles” are from Arteriors. We thought they were a great way to marry old and new.

The panels behind the cash wrap also seem to set a tone for the design. Can you tell me about them?

What were the specific challenges in designing the space?

A. Q.

One of the challenges was that the space had previously been a clothing boutique that had a much different aesthetic, and we had to utilize some of the fixtures as well as the general footprint. That and budget. We knew we needed a new and substantial cash wrap that would become the centerpiece and it would take a large chunk of our budget.

Was there any item that was the starting point of the design?

Q.

Jessica had some great inspiration pictures: industrial galvanized racks, beautiful French fashion, clean spaces…and bubbles.

The entry and coffee tables are like sculpture in the space.

Can you tell me more about them and why they were chosen?

We chose them for just that reason. There needed to be an element of modernism, and to juxtapose all the “Frenchy-ness”.

A.

35

I Q.

recently had the opportunity to talk with designer Joelle Nelson about her approach to the design of Bubble Boutique.

Janell Beals: Tell me about the light fixtures above the cash wrap, they completely capture the name of the boutique in such an elegant yet fun way. Where were they found?

Joelle Nelson: The “bubbles” are from Arteriors. We thought they were a great way to marry old and new.

The panels behind the cash wrap also seem to set a tone for the design. Can you tell me about them?

What were the specific challenges in designing the space?

A. Q.

One of the challenges was that the space had previously been a clothing boutique that had a much different aesthetic, and we had to utilize some of the fixtures as well as the general footprint. That and budget. We knew we needed a new and substantial cash wrap that would become the centerpiece and it would take a large chunk of our budget.

Was there any item that was the starting point of the design?

Jessica had some great inspiration pictures: industrial galvanized racks, beautiful French fashion, clean spaces…and bubbles.

Q. 36

The white walls allow everything in the space to pop and create a very fresh look. Was any other wall color a consideration?

A.

No. We knew we wanted our favorite color, French White.

It would allow all of her gorgeous clothes to be the star.

I

Q.

recently opportunity to talk Are had the the dressing rooms lined with wallpaper? If so tell me about that decision, with itdesigner Nelson about seemsJoelle to add inviting warmth to these spaces. her approach to the design of BubYes, grasscloth, another one of our favorite things. You can achieve great depth ble Boutique.

A. Q. A. Q.

of color with wallpaper. We chose apricot; it is so flattering to the skin. The Janell Beals: Tell me about the light fixtures dressing rooms were nicely sized so we wanted to create a little warmth and be above the cash wrap, they completely feminine. The entries are accented with a yummy navy silk drape with black fringe capture the name of the boutique in such trim an to elegant top it off. yet fun way. Where were they

found?

Joelle Nelson: The “bubbles” are from Arteriors. We thought they were a great way to marry old and new.

The panels behind the cash wrap also seem to set a tone for the design. Can you tell me about them?

What were the specific challenges in designing the space?

One of the challenges was that the space had previously been a clothing boutique that had a much different aesthetic, and we had to utilize some of the fixtures as well as the general footprint. That and budget. We knew we needed a new and substantial cash wrap that would become the centerpiece and it would take a large chunk of our budget.

Was there any item that was the starting point of the design?

Jessica had some great inspiration pictures: industrial galvanized racks, beautiful French fashion, clean spaces…and bubbles.

37

I Q.

recently had the opportunity to talk with designer Joelle Nelson about her approach to the design of Bubble Boutique.

Janell Beals: Tell me about the light fixtures above the cash wrap, they completely capture the name of the boutique in such an elegant yet fun way. Where were they found?

Joelle Nelson: The “bubbles” are from Arteriors. We thought they were a great way to marry old and new.

The panels behind the cash wrap also seem to set a tone for the design. Can you tell me about them?

What were the specific challenges in designing the space?

A. Q.

One of the challenges was that the space had previously been a clothing boutique that had a much different aesthetic, and we had to utilize some of the fixtures as well as the general footprint. That and budget. We knew we needed a new and substantial cash wrap that would become the centerpiece and it would take a large chunk of our budget.

Was there any item that was the starting point of the design?

Jessica had some great inspiration pictures: industrial galvanized racks, beautifulwanted French fashion, clean spaces…and The dressing rooms were nicely sized so we to create a little warmth and be feminine. with black fringe trim to top it off. bubbles.Lofty and filled with great natural light, this Pearl

38

District retail space is spacious yet intimate. The clothing showcased at Bubble Boutique focuses on fine craftsmanship and detailing, with owner Jessica describing the shopping experience as “a delightful matchmaking process between beautiful clothes and the women who wear them.”

I Q.

recently had the opportunity to talk with designer Joelle Nelson about her approach to the design of Bubble Boutique.

Janell Beals: Tell me about the light fixtures above the cash wrap, they completely capture the name of the boutique in such an elegant yet fun way. Where were they found?

Joelle Nelson: The “bubbles” are from Arteriors. We thought they were a great way to marry old and new.

The panels behind the cash wrap also seem to set a tone for the design. Can you tell me about them?

What were the specific challenges in designing the space?

A. Q.

One of the challenges was that the space had previously been a clothing boutique that had a much different aesthetic, and we had to utilize some of the fixtures as well as the general footprint. That and budget. We knew we needed a new and substantial cash wrap that would become the centerpiece and it would take a large chunk of our budget.

Was there any item that was the starting point of the design?

Jessica had some great inspiration pictures: industrial galvanized racks, beautifulwanted French fashion, clean spaces…and The dressing rooms were nicely sized so we to create a little warmth and be feminine. with black fringe trim to top it off. bubbles.

Cash Wrap Lighting: Arteriors Wrap Desk: Eagle Designs in Portland, Oregon Table Lamps: Global Views Tables: Powell Side & Coffee Table by Worlds Away, available through Tonic Home Settees: Similar Sofia Settee available through Ballard Designs Mirror: The Shop at Maison Paint Color: Benjamin Moore 1093 French White

RESOURCES:

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Making It Work Fashion Designer Kayce Hughes Runs a Successful Design Business While Raising Seven Children.

How Does She Do It?

K

ayce Hughes landed her first job with Ralph Lauren in New York City, just before graduating from college with a liberal arts degree. Working in the women’s design department over the next several years, Kayce gained experience that proved invaluable when she started her own clothing design business.

After the birth of her first child, Kayce knew she wanted to take some time away to stay at home. Working until 7 p.m. on the night of her first child’s delivery date told her that her instinct on this issue was correct! When the family continued to grow, Kayce and her husband made the move from New York to Nashville, where she spent several years away from her chosen career. But as with many creative women who have had a strong career prior to becoming a mother, a career eventually found its way back into her life.

One day Kayce came across a wonderful

fabric. While not a great sewer, she made a nightgown for her daughter and soon began making more clothes for her children. The next event that would lead her to launching a business was joining a friend at a home show. The friend sold antique silver, while Kayce found a streamstress to work with and created a small collection of children’s nightgowns sewn from feed sack fabric.

Later, during a family holiday to visit her mother, Kayce’s husband had the idea to show her garments to a local store, walking in and making the presentation himself. An order was written on the spot and soon other accounts followed.

‘Pears + Bears’ grew slowly and steadily, focusing on items for children. Customer feedback, coupled with a desire to create her own garments, led to the addition of a women’s clothing line. The company now sells designs under two labels, ‘Pears + Bears’ for children and ‘Kayce Hughes’ for women.

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I 42

recently had the opportunity to talk with Kayce about her business, her approach to finding a balance between family and work, and what is currently working for the family.

Janell Beals: Kayce, who do you envision as your typical customer?

Kayce Hughes: I design for women who may be mothers, but not necessarily. Women in their 20’s to 50’s, and I would like to think my designs work well for women beyond their fifties. I design pieces I’d like to wear myself.

I want to feel current but I’m not concerned about being trendy. A lot of women want to look pretty, yet be comfortable. Not too much fuss, easy to wear. The line is not about the latest fads, it’s about looking put together with ease and a casual flair.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

A: It is the people I come into contact and work with. Caroline and Betsy, we simply have a lot of fun at work. Relationships make the work. And I love being creative; it’s rewarding to see something created out of an idea.

Q: What do your children think of your work and business?

A: Well, I’ve always done it so it is just what I do. The fun part is shopping vintage stores with my daughters. The oldest has a wonderful Bohemian style, who just happens

to run an Etsy shop. We teach our children by our actions, if you have an idea you can make it come to life.

Q: How do you find a balance between your family and work life?

A: The youngest is now in kindergarten, and while of course summer is different, there is a tremendous change once all the children reach school age. The children do go to different schools, but between my husband and I there is someone always available to drive the kids to and pick up from school. I am fortunate to have a hands-on husband, with a lot of flexibility in his schedule.

I think it is key that women look to other women for encouragement and tips, but not as a bar to live up to. From seeing what works for another person I can ask myself what can I do to improve my situation, but not be discouraged by them and their accomplishments. It is a fine line. It’s human nature to pick up on the best of another person, but no one is doing everything perfectly. We tend to see what is most impressive and forget that they aren’t cooking dinner every night.

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A

typical day for Kayce and her family begins with a shared breakfast.

“I love to make breakfast - I love to make bread; homemade bread and eggs with the whole family sharing a morning breakfast and routine. I really dislike rushing breakfast! The kids help with the food preparation and clean up, hair is being done and lunches get packed as breakfast is in motion. It requires team work, the kids are responsible for pitching in and they must come into the kitchen for breakfast dressed for school. All the kids with the exception of the 13 year old wear uniforms to school, this really helps by eliminating the choice of what to wear. Then by 8:00 everyone is in school.

Once I’m back home I then sit down and have my own breakfast. I like this time to relax for a 44 moment and get ready for the day. Fortunately,

my office is just downstairs in my home, which for now is proving to be a very efficient and convenient way to get work done.”

Kayce believes it is very helpful to reassess how days are structured and make changes as necessary to accommodate current needs.

An example is how she has moved the location of her office as her family life has changed. Initially her office was in the home, during her youngest children’s baby phases.

When they became toddlers it made sense to leave the house for work, which proved to be more efficient. Now, with the kids all in school, it works to have the office back at home.

During the summer months Kayce has the ability to run downstairs to take care of things as they arise. During the school year she is mostly done with work by the time the kids need to be picked up from school.

Q: Tell me about your evening routine.

A: Our dinner routine is similar to breakfast. We are all home for dinner. We have a big round table and we sit down for dinner. It is very important to sit down and share conversations with the wide range of our children’s ages so that they keep connected. I try to do a weekly meal plan, though I’m not always successful.

But also keep in mind you don’t have to cook all the dinners.

At dinner and in general we try to promote thankfulness, asking one question about what each person is thankful for during dinner.

When the kids were younger there was a “red spoon” at the dinner table and you were only allowed to talk if you had the red spoon! It kept things calmer. In the evening when the kids are doing homework, I get any remaining work done, attend to my blogging and such.

Q: What do you let go of to make life work?

A: I try to remember that there are different seasons in life: let go for now, but not forever.

Right now I don’t watch TV. I did watch ‘9 by

Design’ last year, and would again if it were to air, but there isn’t really time to watch TV. I’m also careful with my commitments and try to be strategic with what I volunteer for. This allows me to be able to have a presence without giving large periods of time I don’t have.

The biggest thing right now is letting go of perfection. My house is not looking like I would like at times, socks are missing, but it’s okay. I am not an ‘A’ parent, not an ‘A’ housekeeper, but as long as my husband, my family and I feel good, that is the thing to measure. My husband and I take stock often, what are the problem areas, what can we do differently?

We try to not get stuck doing something simply because it is how we have become used to doing it.

And I’m not a fan of “should do” lists. They make you feel less. Instead I think it is helpful to glean a lot of ideas from other people, but make them work for yourself and your family,… make them your own.

Visit Kayce’s website to see more designs for women and children!

46

Your Emergency Plan Has your family established an emergency plan, including key contact numbers and a meeting location if you have to leave home in a hurry? Discuss your plan, practice it with your kids, and then add it to your Command Center.

Make sure babysitters, neighbors, grandparents and anyone else who helps out in your absence knows what to do.

By figuring out the key pieces of information your household needs on a daily basis and bringing these elements together, you can create a Family Command Center that is both functional and attractive. Once your family is in the habit of using the system, you should find that things run just a little more smoothly!

SPRING/SUMMER 2011

3

summer essentials:

1.

2.

Neutral accessories mixed with colorful and flowery shirts... this creates a favorite look of mine.

I love how this biker jacket looks paired with crisp white basics or pretty feminine florals.

White jeans are a staple for me. For versatility I have at least one pair to wear with high wedges and another for flats.

5.

A fun tote, big enough to throw everything into, is the ultimate summer essential.

4.

48

3. neutral accesories + colorful shirts = favorite looks!

If I could only have one pair of wedges this summer, it would be these. Perfect with white jeans or a pretty dress.

6.

fashion designer kayce hughes shares her top

Summer Picks!

7.

These rib-knit tees from Old Navy are great to stock up on every summer.

Available in white, as well as a great range of colors, they are perfect over a swimsuit, under a jacket or for an early morning run.

oversized sunnies!

A simple and feminine dress is a great go-to item for easy summer dressing.

My favorite lip-gloss for summer is made by Kiehl’s; hydrating while providing pretty color.

8.

I love big sunglasses and at this price I can have a pair everywhere, which makes life a little easier.

And if a little foot should step on them... I can keep on smiling.

9.

10.

“Summer should be fun and easy…even if you don’t have three months without responsibilities!”

-Kayce Hughes

49

summer essentials:

What’s in my bag?

50

The Bag: Michael Kors Santorini Straw Tote - Casual enough for the park, yet chic enough to be carried to a lunch with girlfriends.

BY MIMI INMAN

! s l a i t n e s ih c es

c r e m m u s s ’ i m i M 1.

Keep your skin looking beautiful with the right sunscreen.

Peter Thomas Roth SPF 30 Uber-Dry formula protects while leaving the skin smooth and dry.

2.

For the body my favorite sunscreen is the Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 from Shiseido, a UVA/UVB blocking skin care essential.

3.

COCO Mademoiselle

by Chanel is a perfect and slightly unexpected fragrance for summer. A little spritz of this fresh and modern oriental fragrance makes every day feel prettier.

A little spritz...makes every day feel prettier!

4.

6.

5.

To get a sun kissed look without the damage, brush on a little bronzer from Bare Minerals.

Look summer fresh with just a touch of color on the lips.

Lorac Performance Lipstick comes in great colors while providing SPF 15 protection.

A pair of UV protection sunglasses embracing classic style are the ultimate summer essential.

Kate Spade's Cat's Eye sunglasses are 51 my pick for the season.

WALKING

BY MIMI INMAN

1.

1. Begin by saturating a cotton ball with Blue Cross Cuticle Remover.

Apply heavily to each nail, allowing lotion to pool on the nail surface. Let sit for one minute.

BLUE CROSS CUTICLE REMOVER

2.

2. Take an Orange Wood Cuticle Pusher and, with small circular motions, remove the thin layer of skin around the cuticle.

ORANGE WOOD CUTICLE PUSHER

52

are you sandalready?

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, TIME TO SLIP YOUR FEET INTO A PRETTY PAIR OF SANDALS. ARE YOUR FEET SANDAL-READY? HERE ARE THE SIMPLE STEPS AND PRODUCTS TO GET THEM LOOKING GREAT FAST!

getting feet sandal ready and fast !

fast!

pretty summer toes...

-

3.

3. Wipe nails clean with a new cotton ball dipped in Blue Cross. Afterwards run the saturated ball across any dry areas on the feet and then buff nails and feet with a hand towel.

4.

COTTON BALLS

4. Trim nails straight across and gently file corners, working from the outside to nail center. Avoid filing in a back and forth motion as this will weaken the nail.

FINE GRIT NAIL FILE

CHECK OUT OUR SUMMER SANDAL PICKS ON PAGE 56!

53

5.

6.

5. Dab a small amount of olive oil on nails and buff their surface with a fine grit Nail Buffer.

NAIL BUFFER 7. Apply Olivella Hand Cream to feet (and hands while you are at it!) and massage in. For an added benefit resulting in extra soft feet, wrap them in plastic for ten minutes.

ORANGE WOOD CUTICLE PUSHER

7.

54

11. Apply one drop of Qtica Half Time Accelerator on each nail. This product cuts drying time in half, extends wear and prevents chipping.

8.

8. Wipe nails clean with Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover to clean oil and lotion from nails prior to polishing.

NON-ACETONE POLISH REMOVER

OLIVELLA HAND CREAM

9.

ESSIE NAIL POLISH COLORS FOR SPRING

6. Clean under nails using an Orange Wood Cuticle Pusher.

9. Cover each nail with polish by placing brush at nail base, rock brush across base and cover nail in three strokes. Then apply a second coat.

11.

10.

10. Brush on a layer of Qtica Extending Top Coat using the same method used to apply the nail polish.

QTICA TOP COAT

SPRING COLORS!

QTICA 1/2 TIME ACCELERATOR

If you’re considering getting a professional pedicure, here 7. are my tips on what to look for when selecting a salon:

6.

Cleanliness is the number one priority when considering having nails done at a salon. To find a salon begin by asking friends for recommendations.

Once a salon has been selected, visit the salon to make an appointment rather than simply call. Look around to see if the salon is clean and check the

8.

bathroom. If it is clean the salon is most likely to be clean as well.

Always bring, or purchase from the salon, your own file kit. Don’t be afraid to ask how the salon implements are sterilized. Avoid salons where high volume is occuring, which leaves limited time to properly clean equipment between clients.

9.

Now go

slip on those

pretty sandals!

55

OUR FAVORITE 3.

1.

2.

4.

6.

5.

7.

9.

8.

KEY TRENDS: 56

Sandals OF THE SEASON

BY JENNIFER ROSSON

“A GREAT PAIR OF SANDALS EMBRACING THE SEASON’S KEY TRENDS IS A FUN AND EASY WAY TO UPDATE YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE.” 57

CAN‘T WE ALL J U S T G E T A L O N G? (or at least agree to disagree?)

BY JANELL BEALS INTERIORS BY LISA BORGNES GIRAMONTI

I

nterior design, art, fashion: In these creative areas of life one person’s love can often be another person’s disdain.

And isn’t this really okay? Differences of opinion lead to better design as well as a more enriched world. Can you imagine if everyone favored the same color, the same pattern and the same lines? We would all be at risk of experiencing a slow death from boredom.

I was reminded of how opinions can greatly vary and how easy it is to get caught up in defending a point of view after writing a recent article. The topic was innocent enough; how to bring a bit of Spring into interiors all year long through the addition of floral prints. One of the rooms I referenced was the living room of artist and blogger Lisa Borgnes Giramonti, of A Bloomsbury Life.

I included her room after being drawn to its intriguing mix of Peter Dunham’s Samarkand floral with a Union Jack pillow and zebra rug. To my eye this is a dynamic mix that speaks of being collected over time, appealing with its unexpected and artistic nature. It is obviously a personal space and one that pushes the envelope of what matches, resulting in a 60 uniquely beautiful room.

intriguing mix: 1. samarkand floral 2. zebra rug 3. union jack pillow

“Perhaps a key to being okay with a conflicting opinion begins with not only being comfortable, but secure, in our own...”

B

ased on the feedback to the article however, not everyone shared my appreciation for Lisa’s home, and a debate ensued. The situation led to a long conversation between my husband and I, centering on these questions: Why is it often difficult to experience disagreement with another’s point of view without getting upset? Is it not possible to express that one would not make the same choice, without the need to tear down what another has done? Why is it so hard to have a difference of opinion and be comfortable with the fact that not everyone shares our point of view?

It can be unsettling to encounter an opinion that is in opposition to our own likes, preferences and dislikes. Is this because it can cause us to question our own point of view? Perhaps a key to being okay with a conflicting opinion begins with not only being comfortable, but secure, in our own; understanding that there is nothing to be lost or threatened by accepting and hearing another’s opinion.

And in fact, something may be learned. When realizing differences of opinion can quickly divide and that this reaction extends far beyond the world of design, having patience and an open heart can go a long way.

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“...a dynamic mix that speaks of being collected over time.�

When discussing the response to her home with Lisa, which prompted this article, she introduced me to the newly released book ‘Undecorate’ by Christiane Lemieux.

In this book twenty homes are showcased, each revealing their owners’ love of imperfection and a penchant for surprise and unusual juxtapositions. It is a book Christiane hopes will inspire readers to follow their own whimsy in their personal spaces with less attention to the rules or what others will think. And how interesting, Lisa’s home is one of the many that are profiled.

Leafing through the book I was drawn to several homes which left me feeling inspired and ready to rethink some of my own design choices, while others left me unconvinced.

Keeping in mind the recent conversation with my husband, isn’t this is the beauty of design?

64

Creating a Family

by Pauline Wiles

I

s your family life a constant juggling act of activities, appointments, information and reminders? If coordinating everyone’s schedule is increasingly complex and at times even chaotic, you need a smart way to keep track of all the moving parts. To help save your sanity, try establishing a single place for key information: A Family Command Center.

First, pick your spot. A location near the entry

door used most often is great, but another good option is a corner of the kitchen or family room where you spend a lot of time daily. For efficient use of space and easy viewing, a flat area with some available wall above it is ideal. If your kids are old enough to be involved in planning activities, make sure they can see and reach what’s there. An effective Family Command Center has six key components as outlined below.

The Family Calendar

A big wall planner with room for activities for each family member is ideal. Be sure to check it daily, establishing some rules about who can add appointments to minimize potential conflicts. A weekly review of the calendar can be a great family activity and teaches kids the value 67 of planning ahead and considering other people's needs and schedules.

A Message System Your Command Center is also the spot to pass messages and notes to other family members. For many a divided bulletin board works well, but you could also use a chalkboard or different color notes for each person. Obviously, you’ll need supplies: pens, paper and chalk.

Depending on the ages of your kids, teaching them to take a message properly is an important skill. Hanging mail pockets, one per family member, is a simple way to take care of inbound and outbound paper.

A Recycling Center

o t x a M et v 2 pm lacrosse practice

It makes perfect sense to sort mail near your Family Command Center and immediately consign the bulk of it to be recycled. Encourage everyone to get rid of the surplus right away.

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Family Reference Binder

Pick an attractive binder, or cover one with special paper or fabric. This isn’t intended to be a landing spot for every piece of paper which comes into your home, but the location for key family information which you reference frequently. Vital contact information, such as family phone numbers and those of your doctor, dentist, vet, plumber and electrician belongs at the front of the binder. You might also include two or three favorite takeout menus, plus the kids’ soccer schedule or car pool information. Be sure to purge and update the contents often, to keep the binder 69 current.

Meal Plan & Grocery List

Your weekly meal plan belongs as part of your Family Command Center so that everyone knows what's for dinner, especially on an evening when it's someone else's turn to cook! This is also a logical place to keep a running list of grocery items needed on the next trip. All family members should add to the list, whenever a food staple gets used up.

70

Your Emergency Plan Has your family established an emergency plan, including key contact numbers and a meeting location if you have to leave home in a hurry? Discuss your plan, practice it with your kids, and then add it to your Command Center.

Make sure babysitters, neighbors, grandparents and anyone else who helps out in your absence knows what to do.

By figuring out the key pieces of information your household needs on a daily basis and bringing these elements together, you can create a Family Command Center that is both functional and attractive. Once your family is in the habit of using the system, you should find that things run just a little more smoothly!

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FAVORITE FINDS: Bamboo pens from Paradise Clothing Co.

2.

1.

Burlap message board from Ballard Designs

3.

Flower Print Push Pins from The Dove Tree

Oriental Design Note Pad from Letter Love Designs

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4.

MESSAGE BOARD

5.

CHIC

by Cristin Priest Bee Push Pins from Ballard Designs

6.

7.

Chinoiserie Note Pads from Letter Love Designs

..................................

..................................

Ikat Mini Bowl from Anthropologie

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50

IDEAS

2. Laugh, a lot. What makes you laugh?

3. there is enough to go around

4. put on a favorite perfume, even if you’re headed to the grocery store

6. Unplug for a day

5. Is the music on? Turn it up loud and dance!

7. it is rarely too late to start something new

8.wear sunscreen and LOTS of it 9. forget counting the calories, you are probably counting wrong anyway

11. tip well

10.mistakes can teach us everything 12. don’t be afraid to ask the silly questions

13. it would be a boring world if we all agreed on everything 14. try something new, often

15. a few rules are just begging to be broken 16. For every new thing that comes into the house, take something out

18. ladies night out, or in…often

19. it does indeed take a village

20. Do you have a color you don’t wear? Why? Why not!

21. I miss receiving letters, perhaps I should write one.

22. Get ready to play a board game with the kids, yours or a friends… Let them cheat if they must!

23. be interested, not interesting

24. Will worrying about it make it go away?

74.

25. Is it time to embrace an adventure?

26. dust off the bike & take a ride with the kids

27. Is a girlfriend waiting for a call?

28. an afternoon nap is pure delight

we’re

THINKING ABOUT

29. Bite off more than you can chew (though perhaps not at the dinner table)

30. Saying sorry isn’t so hard after all …

31. Every “Yes” is a “No”

32. Adore & be adored, hopefully.

33. dark chocolate, each and every day

34. a Doris Day movie; sure cure for the blues 35. cook up a festive meal for one or more 36. the perfect shade of lipstick brightens any day 37. AGE is only a number 38. good manners with a “please” and “thank you” are not just rules for kids

39. Laugh at yourself, at least once a day!

41. order the dessert

40. don’t save the best for guests 42. It’s okay to be different – Todd Parr

44. get under the covers and watch a favorite movie, with a glass of red wine as a bonus

45. a Good Cry can certainly clear the head 46. play hooky with your husband

47. Stretch 49. it’s now…forget the “or never” 50. This is no dress rehearsal, jump in with both feet!

3 75

Summer

dining

by Ewa of Delishhh

Casual entertaining during the warm months of summer is at its best when embracing the fresh and delicious produce of the season!

Bring on the freshest vegetables‌ this dish is both delicious and healthy!

tomato & green bean

Salad

This simple and classic salad is perfect for summer evening dining. Every time I prepare the dish, I get asked for the recipe and it could not be easier to make. The real secret is when using super fresh ingredients, you don’t have to do much to make the dish delicious. This salad belongs in that category. A perfect combination with this salad is a great lamb burger or a steak, any protein right off the grill goes perfect with this salad on a balmy summer night.

77

Yields: 4-6 servings | Prep Time: 20 minutes 10 oz green beans 14 oz red and yellow cherry tomatoes 2 green onions Dressing: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp apple cider 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp sea salt Pinch of freshly ground pepper

Step

1 Step

2

Step

3 78

Cut the cherry tomatoes into halves and chop the green onions and set aside.

Prepare the vegetables by snapping the tops and tails off the green beans by hand or cut with knife. Then cut into 3 pieces, approximately 1 1/2 inches long.

Next blanch the green beans. Do this by putting the green beans into boiling water for approximately 3 minutes and then toss them into a bowl filled with ice water. Remove and let dry.

Yields: 4-6 servings | Prep Time: 20 minutes Make the dressing by combining the Dijon mustard, apple cider, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Toss the cherry tomatoes and green onions in with the dressing; this can sit for a while.

Avoid adding the green beans until just before serving or they will discolor from the acid in the vinaigrette.

Step

4

Step

5

Step

6

! y o Enj

79

Is there anything better than fresh berries paired with chocola te? Not in my book!

raspberry & chocolate

Torte

Calling all chocolate lovers, this one’s for you! Chocolaty, dense and creamy with a touch of whipped cream and raspberries, this is a perfect dessert to enjoy with friends outdoors on a summer evening. The cake is baked the day before and then kept in the 80

refrigerator to stiffen. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Yields: 10 slices | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 15 minutes 14 tbsp of butter 7 oz bittersweet chocolate 4 eggs 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp sugar 1 cup all purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder For Serving: 1 tsp powdered sugar 3/4 cup heavy cream 8 oz raspberries Preheat oven to 335F.

Step

1 Step

2

Step

3

Melt the butter and then place the chocolate into the butter to melt. Stir until combined and let cool. In another bowl, mix the flour and baking powder together and set aside.

In a separate bowl combine the eggs and sugar.

Mix untilfrothy!

81

Yields: 4-6 servings | Prep Time: 20 minutes Add the chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture.

Combine well.

Then fold in the flour and baking powder mixture.

Bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 15 minutes. When removing the cake it will still be soft in the middle, but will stiffen after being refrigerated.

Step

7 82

When you are ready to serve, dust the cake with powdered sugar and make the whipping cream.

Spread on a layer of whipping cream and decorate with raspberries.

Step

4 Step

5

Step

6

E

! y o nj

Embrace the fresh and delicious produce of the season!

83

Meal P lanning: saving time, money and sanity!

by Courtney Fernan photography by Sheila White

84

A

year ago I heard the garage door open; my husband was home from work. While I was elated to see him walk through the door and watch my exuberant toddlers sprint across the room to tackle him with hugs, a pit was forming in my stomach. I knew what was coming next, those three little words, “What’s for dinner?”

I scrambled to formulate a plan. Heading for the fridge, I opened it and stared aimlessly into the black hole. You know the one. Before those three words were spoken I needed a plan!

Maybe we should go out. Oh, wait, I have lettuce. Perfect. Oh, but we are out of tomatoes. I have tortillas, but there isn’t any chicken. Maybe we should go out. But the kids need a bath, we don’t have time to go out.

Now what? I was about to hear those three little words. With a kiss and hug and an “I love you”, there was also “what’s for dinner?” That was a question to which I had no answer.

Now in all fairness I have a wonderfully laid back husband who would be perfectly happy with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a can of soup. In fact, he would jump in to help cook if I had a meal in the works. That isn’t the point.

With the chaos of my day, shuffling children in and out of the car, drop-offs, pick-ups, laundry and errands I had very little left in me and was struggling with the attempt to whip up quick, delicious and healthy meals. Dinnertime was becoming more and more stressful. This was not what I wanted for our family.

I needed a plan.

85

Getting Prepared

Printable Menu Planner

You may feel you are not organized enough to begin meal planning, but jumping right in is the best thing to do. In planning your meals you will automatically infuse organization into your weekly schedule.

To get started you will need a pen, a favorite cookbook or recipe box, your calendar and a binder. It is important to have your calendar close by so that you are not planning a home cooked meal on a night you are busy with a sports event or social function. Thinking ahead can save time and money. And hey, treat yourself with a glass of wine or hot cup of tea while you begin this process.

plannertotowrite writedown downyour yourmenu menufor forthe the week AAplanner will also Two versions are are week will be alsonecessary. be necessary.

Two versions providedtotohelp helpyou youget getstarted, started,one onebeginbeginning provided on Monday and and a second version that that allows ning on Monday a second version you to you writetoinwrite the days the week allows in theofdays of the depending week on which day is bestday for is you to begin depending on which best for youyour to meal plan. your (See meal resources below.)

I suggest choosing begin plan. (See resources below.) day achoosing week to one do your shopping.

I I one suggest day grocery a week to do like to do myshopping. shopping I on Monday your grocery likeato do my shopmorning, so it makes senseso to itsitmakes down sense on a ping on a Monday morning, evening and plan my meals.

Whichever toSunday sit down on a Sunday evening and plan daymeals. of the week you choose to do youryou shopmy Whichever day of the week ping, use theyour priorshopping, day as your planning choose to do use the priorday. day as your planning day.

treat yourself with

a glass or wine or hot cup of tea...

86

Make a List of Food Items on Hand Get up for a moment and open your refrigerator and freezer. Make a list of what is already on hand such as ground beef, frozen salmon and fresh produce. You will want to start by using what you already have. This will eliminate waste and shorten your shopping list.

Using the food that you already have will help guide the meals for the first week.

Plan for 5 Dinners a Week The good news is that you only need to come up with five meals a week. One night you will most likely have leftovers with one night left

open for going out to dinner or other social activities. Through experience I have learned that planning seven meals only leads to wasted food. Also, make one night a week a soup and sandwich night or a crock-pot night. Starting simple will help you become consistent and successful in implementing a meal plan!

plan for dinner...

87

88

Choosing What Meals to Plan

Prepare a Shopping List

Begin with easy meals and dishes your family likes. If you need help in finding recipes, check out ‘Making Dinner Easy’ for a list of meals and ingredients for a week of meals. The cookbook that I reference most often is ‘Complete Meals in Minutes’ by Cooking Light. The illustrations are fantastic and I appreciate the quick easy meals coupled with helpful time saving hints. Once you have written down a meal, it is helpful to note the cookbook and page number for easy reference while cooking. If you use recipe cards, pull those recipes and set them in a designated spot for the week or tuck them into a pocket in your binder.

Once your meals are penciled in for the week, you have conquered the most difficult part of the process. Now it is time to prepare your shopping list. Use the provided menu planner to create the list and remember what ingredients are already on hand. If you frequent the same grocery store on a regular basis, there is a strong chance you have the layout of the store well in mind. A helpful hint is to organize your list according to the store layout. For example, I list all of the fresh produce needed for the week together on my list. This eliminates backtracking in the store and saves time.

3

Shopping List -Bread -Cereal -Soy Milk -Red Apples -Sugar -Lemons -Eggs -Pellegrino Weekly Staples

Stick to Your List and Shop Once a Week

Make a list of the staples your family typically uses, including what you like to have available for breakfasts and lunches. I find that those items do not vary much from week to week.

Having a staples list (there is a designated section for these items on the menu planner) will make it easy to see what you are short on so it gets added to the current shopping list.

Following this routine will eliminate unwanted trips to the store.

Once you have a shopping list for the week, you are well prepared to be in and out of the store in no time. Sticking to the items on the list will assuredly save you money, so try to keep random purchases to a minimum. And best of all, each night when you open the refrigerator or freezer to begin prepping a meal, everything you need is right in front of you.

89

90

Tailor the Menu to Your Cooking Style

Stay Organized

Meal planning is really a simple process and it does not matter if you consider yourself a gourmet chef or a semi-homemade cook. I prefer to only spend 30 minutes preparing dinner, so I stick to easy, healthy dishes. If you are more skilled in the kitchen or like to be adventurous, then plan accordingly. Remember to tailor the weekly menu to your own needs. As you become more comfortable with the process, try adding one new recipe to your menu each week. It is a great way to build up your repertoire and try delicious dishes.

Keep your menus in a binder. You will be surprised at how quickly this process becomes a habit and how rapidly your collection of menus grows. Dividers will allow you to keep menu planners, a staples list, frequently used recipes and cooking tips within reach. A section for entertaining helps me to stay organized when planning meals for holidays or parties.

There is No Need to Reinvent the Wheel As your menu collection grows, the time it takes to meal plan should decrease. If you notice that you have chicken breasts on hand, then you can save yourself time and pull ideas from a previous menu that was enjoyed. For instance, my Cilantro Chicken recipe seems to pop up quite frequently on my weekly menu plan. It is definitely a family favorite. There is great value in keeping your weekly menus filed within your binder for future reference.

Mmm... Pull ideas from a previous menu that was enjoyed!

3

91

what’s for dinner?

Eating Together Together as as aa Family Makes Makesaa Difference Difference

92 91

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And should husband evitably save money.

And should mymy husband ask‘What’s ‘What’sfor fordinner?’ dinner?’I Ican canhappily happilysay saythat thatI I ask haveititcovered. covered. have

• • Menu Planner A (begins with Monday) • Menu Planner B (fill in the days of the week) • Making Dinner Easy: recipes and shopping lists • Crockpot Recipes • Just Cook Already: recipe blog • Cooking Light Complete Meals in Minutes cookbook • Relish!: online meal planning and iPad application • Pepperplate: free online meal planning and iPad application 93

Pantry

HAPPINESS interview by Lakeitha Duncan

A well organized pantry helps home life run smoother and it doesn’t hurt when it’s also pretty to look at! When Dina Holland of the blog Honey & Fitz needed a pantry overhaul, she turned to friend and designer Nicole Lanteri for help in bringing organized style to one of the least thought of spaces in a home. What was the result of her smart design plan? A kitchen pantry that went from ordinary to a place you’d want to pull up a chair and live in.

Lakeitha Duncan: Nicole, what were the design goals for this project?

Nicole Lanteri: My main goal was to Nicole Lanteri: My main goal was to make make Dina happy! We had three objectives: Dina happy!

We appliances had three objectives: find room so that are easily find room so that appliances are easily accessible ensuring they actually getaccesused, sible everything ensuring they actually get onto used, move move up off the floor everything up drawers off the floor or into shelves or into so itonto is a shelves safe space drawers soand it is create a safe space for children, for children, an attractive space and create an attractive space thatand is easy that is easy to keep organized growto keep with the family’s needs. organized and grow with the family’s needs.

“” “”.. an attractive

space that is easy to keep organized and grow wi“”th the family’s needs.

Q: This was a project where the design plan was put together by you, while the actual work was carried out by the homeowners. How difdifficult was process? ficult was thethe process?

A: It wasn’t difficult at all. This is the third A: It wasn’t difficult at all.

This ison, theso third project Dina and I have worked we project Dina I havewell worked on, so we know know howand to work together.

Clients that I work with in this tell meClients it’s great how to work wellway together. thattoI have work someone be tell accountable to; to it helps with in thistoway me it’s great have the someproject get done in a timely manner. one to be accountable to; it helps the project 95

Q: What are the key considerations to keep in mind when designing a pantry?

A: Edit and Organize: Take everything out of the pantry and be honest about what you will and won’t use. Get rid of the Belgian waffle maker if it’s never brought out. If you love using straws for iced coffee, leave them out in a pretty glass so they are easily accessible.

“” “”

Forget Symmetry: Bring in a mix of shelves and drawers of different heights and depths. Unlike a closet, where blouses and pants are generally the same size, in a pantry rarely are two types of items similar in size. Varying storage options provides the flexibility to move equipment and supplies around to find their optimal location.

Find Extra Space: Don’t forget the space behind a door or unused walls. There is always a shelf, rod or hook that wil fit in these areas to provide valuable storage! tension of Dina’s warm inviting home. Placing something soft underfoot achieves that, with the benefit of reducing the impact if anything should fall. FLOR tiles were the clear winner A: Details really matter. Many times we look at because they are easy to customize to the size of a space and, if one gets stained, easy to amazing spaces in magazines and notice the larger items, but the reason a room looks great pick up and clean or replace. Tip: be sure to 96 as a whole are the details. I thought it would be get a few extra tiles for this very reason! great to have the walk-in pantry feel like an exQ: I see that no detail was overlooked, down to the floor. Why did you feel the need to bring in FLOR tiles?

“” “”

Ithe bllouvee paint color!

Q: What are your favorite features of the pantry?

A: I love the blue paint color! How can you not be happy when stepping in? Plus the usefulness of the extra workspace. Instead of just being a

place to store things, it’s a spot to set up for a dinner party the night before or lay out cookies to cool while still being able to make dinner in the kitchen without having to fend off hungry 97 people!

Q: Tell us about the products used and the “must haves” when working on a pantry design?

A: One of my favorite products is the ELFA closet system. It’s intuitive, easy to install and flexible. It can get pricey, so just be careful to select only the components best suited for your space, and look for their semiannual sale!

“” “”

The must haves are airtight glass jars that are easy to open and close; labels so that everyone knows where things are; and drawers that can be used for items that don’t sit well on shelves, such as linens and serving ware.

One One thing thing that that worked worked was was limiting limiting the the number of baskets, which number of baskets, which taketake up up prime estate. a few prime realreal estate.

UseUse justjust a few to to corral items taken pantry corral items taken outout of of thethe pantry together such as baking supplies: baking soda, baking powder, vanilla extract baking soda, baking powder, vanilla extract and oil. canola oil. Having and canola Having everything in everything in viewaccessible and readilyis the best view and readily accessibletoishaving the best approach to approach a truly functional having a truly functional pantry. pantry.

Finally, I really think the true must have for any home project is to just have fun!

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Just have fun!

“” “”

Want to feed your soul?

Start walking and bring your friends along for the ride!

Exercise

by Nicole Case

When good friends Jules Moody and Lisa Sequeria decided to start a walking group is a key component to feeling great. While it may as part of the life-group ministry at their be difficult to fit a trip to the gym into your church, they were hoping to provide women with a means to connect, improve schedule, putting on a pair of walking their health and find spiritual solidarity. Little shoes and hitting the road can be an did they know that just two years later, Sole affordable and time saving alternative.

Sisters would grow to include over 400 Invite a few of your friends along and it gets even better, combining fitness and women from surrounding communities 100 and states. time with friends.

Here’s how they did it and a few tips for starting your own walking group, big or small!

1.

Get the word out

Jules and Lisa started small, using their church to develop the group. Look for opportunities with your neighbors, at the office, or among fellow moms at your children’s school. New moms can give their little ones a snack and toy and hit the road pushing jogging strollers. All that is needed is a common desire to get fit and the start of a friendship. Sole Sisters expanded quickly through word of mouth and eventually a website.

2.

Provide structure

Agree on a weekly time and place that works for the group. The Sole Sister weekly walks have an assigned leader and are held on predetermined routes.

Reminders are sent through weekly email messages to members.

Walk Sole Sisters Weds. 7 a.m.!

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3.

Set a goal

Jules believes a key to their success is setting goals; for them it is participating in half marathons. Look for a fun run or other sponsored events in your community. This will provide the members of your walking group with a shared goal, providing accountability and the incentive to participate in weekly walks as the date of the event approaches.

4.

Make it fun!

Six short months after launching Sole Sisters, nearly 100 women in matching tanks completed the 13.1 mile Helvetia Half Marathon. For 80% of them, it was

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their first half marathon. These moms, daughters, sisters and friends were inspired by the Sole Sisters passion for exercise and their positive spirit. I remember walking that half marathon, seeing all these women in hip, matching tanks and big smiles as they walked the grueling hills of Washington County, Oregon. I wanted to be one of them! I wanted to be a Sole Sister!

Completing a goal is always satisfying, and accomplishing it as you get a chance to chat with friends, and make new ones as well, makes it all the more worthwhile.

In May, over 250 women will take to the high roads of Wilsonville, Oregon to complete another half marathon. For some, this will be their first endurance athletic event ever. For others, it will simply be a way to get fit and share life experiences with a great group of women. So what are you waiting for? Get up, get out and feed your soul. Start a walking group with women who share your passion for fitness and friendship. It’s easy and, who knows, maybe your idea to get moving will turn into a real life movement too!

Print by Valentina Design “I love posting inspirational quotes on my blog every Monday.

Everyone could use a little push on a Monday morning and this graphic print is perfect...

You can accomplish anything as long as you believe in yourself!�

Jade Timmerman of Flip Flops and Pearls

BRINGING

BABY HOME

by Janell Beals Interior design by Sherry Hart

I

s there any room more special to create than a nursery? What a special time, when a precious baby is about to be brought home.

Preparing a nursery for the new arrival is a wonderful way to celebrate this upcoming event.

One of the best things about designing a nursery these days is how the idea of what a nursery should look like has truly evolved over the last several years.

Until recently, a standard approach would have been to visit a local baby furnishing store to select necessary items, with the prerequisite pink or blue decor added in. While those resources are still useful for the basics, new parents and designers are now expanding their options for how to pull this room together with personal style.

BRINGING BABY

HOME 105

A wonderful example is the nursery Sherry Hart recently designed for a young couple in the Atlanta area. Sherry’s clients Mande and Joe made it clear they had no interest in a room that was “too babyish.”

As much as she understood their concerns, Sherry also knew there needed to be some elements of whimsy because after all, it is a baby’s room! Through experience, Sherry knows there is often a lot of hand holding to get a room to the finish line.

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RUG FROM IKEA =

layer of soft texture Barn doors!

By working with elements already in place in the room, as well as very creative sourcing, she successfully guided the couple through this process with a charming result that everyone is happy with.

This was not the first time Sherry had worked with these clients. In fact, she originally had designed this very space as a guest room. Brought back by the clients to

repurpose the room into a nursery, Sherry began by assessing what existing elements might actually work in the redesigned room. The anchor piece for the guest room was a set of barn doors found at a local flea market.

Already in place, she knew they would be a perfect jumping off point for a unique nursery design and convinced the clients to leave them in the room.

After deciding the barn doors would stay, the style of the room naturally began to define itself. A large basket waspurchased at an antique market, with Joe ingeniously transforming it into a one of a kind light fixture. Seagrass flooring, which was already in place, was softened by the addition of a rug from Ikea.

Other elements from the previous design that were incorporated into the nursery were the chalky white walls and unexpected yellow ceiling. A non-nursery was being born.

-

O NE OF A KIND...

AN OVERSIZED

BASKET SPOTTED AT AN ANTIQUE MARKET BECOMES A UNIQUE LIGHT FIXTURE...

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The next item found for the room was an old blue leather chair from a flea market that had seen better days. It was recovered in neutral linen and accented with antique bronze nail head trim. Its traditional style creates an eclectic mix against the clean lines of the crib, an item Mande fell in love with soon after finding out she was pregnant.

Featuring modern lines and painted steel gray, a color which picks up on the undertones seen in the barn doors, this crib fit perfectly into the design goals for the space.

Until recently, dark gray would have been an uncommon color for nursery furniture. But not now, and this led to the geometric fabric in charcoal selected for the tailored crib skirt, a print not specifically intended for a nursery.

COMPLETING THE ROUND-UP OF FURNITURE BROUGHT INTO THE ROOM WAS A CHAIR THAT WAS FOUND ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. YES, Obviously, creativity and ingenuity are at the center found at Authentique in Atlanta. A bronze pharmacy of this nursery design. Perhaps this is best illuslamp was an affordable find from Target, while the YOU READ THAT RIGHT. WHITE PAINT trated by the fact that the drapery panels are made mobile seen on the barn doors was from the Christfrom drop cloths! mas dĂŠcor collection at West Elm. Apart from the TRANSFORMEDTHE PIECEroom EASILY, A the SEAT What makes this, and any successful design, WITH free chair, best bargain of the entire design was come together? A collection of small details. The the magnetic chalkboard, picked up at a yard sale CUSHION FABRIC LEFT charming ottoman,MADE featuring FROM vintage fabric, was for oneOVER dollar.

FROM ANOTHER PROJECT IN THE HOME.

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CREATIVITY + INGENUITY! The combination bookshelf and changing station was made by turning an Ikea bookshelf on its side, and a yellow side table placed next to the reupholstered chair repeats the yellow seen on the ceiling.

Obviously, creativity and ingenuity are at the center of this nursery design. Perhaps this is best illustrated by the fact that the drapery panels are made from drop cloths!

AN OTTOMAN MADE FROM VINTAGE FABRICS ADDS UNIQUE CHARM. What makes this, and any successful room design, come together? A collection of small details. The charming ottoman, featuring vintage fabric, was found at Authentique in Atlanta. A bronze pharmacy lamp was an affordable find from Target, while the mobile seen on the barn doors was from the Christmas dĂŠcor collection at West Elm. Apart from the free chair, the best bargain of the entire design was the magnetic chalkboard, picked up at a yard sale for one dollar.

ONE WOULD NEVER LOOK AT THIS MOBILE AND THINK CHRISTMAS DECOR. THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX BRINGS IN UNIQUE CHARACTER THAT SETS THIS ROOM APART.

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To see more inspiring

Welcome home, Baby G!

nurseries embracing a fresh approach to designing this most special room, visit the Houzz Ideabook , ‘The New Look Of Nurseries’

Resources:

RESOURCES: Sparrow crib by Oeuf Crib skirt, Cross Section in Charcoal Ottoman Baby Animal Prints Sam Flax Abacus Yellow side table Paper Mache Gazelle Wall Color: BM Edgecomb Gray HC 173 Ceiling Color: Duron Millennium color collection: Cortez Gold 7725A

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10

tips for designing >

a delightful nursery!

By Holly Mathis Images: Gus + Lula, What were the specific challengesOeuf in de-Baby Furniture signing the space?

One of the challenges was that the space had previously been a clothing boutique that had a much different aesthetic, and we had to utilize some of the fixtures as well as the general footprint. That and budget. We knew we needed a new and substantial cash wrap that would become Begin by determining the best room the centerpiece and it would take a large or space in the home for the chunk of our budget. nursery. It could be that extra

room 1.. .the ................

bedroom upstairs, but if the master Was there any item that bedroom was the starting is downstairs it may be point of the design? preferable to initially have the baby nearby. Once the space is chosen, Jessica had some greatmake inspiration picany decisions about major tures: industrial galvanized racks, beautichanges to the room early on. Is ful French fashion, cleanthere spaces…and a need to build out a closet bubbles. for more storage, add a window seat or install beadboard? These are decisions to make early on in the design process.

2.. .the . . . . . . .basics ...........

Select the crib, changing station furniture, rocker and a bedside light.

If there is room, a twin bed placed in the room can prove to be very convenient. Additional basics to consider are toy and clothing storage; it is amazing how much stuff babies need.

3. . . . . . . . .safety ..........

4.. . comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .& .. beauty color!

5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Invest in a comfortable chair and soft rug, taking into account the adults likes and dislikes in decor. Select a chair that can work into the design of the main living spaces later on and consider neutral upholstery in an outdoor or scotch guarded fabric.

Many daytime and late night hours will be spent in the nursery, so make sure the decor is soothing to both baby and parents.

serene? or

eclectic!

First and foremost is the baby’s safety. Resist any temptation to use quaint old cribs for example, safety over style is a must. Check the latest safety standards when considering using hand me down items.

Do you want the room to have a serene or eclectic feel? Think beyond traditional baby boy and girl color palettes. A favorite color combination of mine for a baby girl is red and blue with touches of pink! In general white is a no fail option, especially as a way to unite a room of mismatched furniture. Consider non-traditional nursery colors such as gray, brown, and even black. Just be careful to not go overboard with color or extreme themes, which can seem harsh when bringing home a delicate baby. After all, the baby is the real star of the 115 room!

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6.. . . . Whimsy .................... & Accesories

Think fun, unexpected and large when it comes to selecting nursery accessories. A fun option would be the origami bird mobile from Spare Bedroom Studio.

7. . . . .Play ................................

Charming toys such as the Blabla dolls are available at Layla Grace and other boutiques for nearly $50.

However, similar knit and wooden toys can also be found for reasonable prices at stores like Target and Ikea. Toys made from quality materials with a creative touch add greatly to the aesthetic of a room, encourage creativity and will stand the test of time.

Art 8. ....................

Mandy Sutcliffe

Jen Skelley

Stephanie Fizer

Naoko Stoop

7.

Tanya Newbery

Possibilities for nursery art are endless! A wall collage of mementos, photos and prints form a charming gallery.

Framing pages from a vintage storybook or set of flashcards is chic, yet adds a whimsical touch. Also look for maps, art prints and free downloadable prints from Feed Your Soul and other online sources.

Denise Holmes

“Non-Nursery” Items 9. .Explore .....................................

Use as many non-nursery items as possible when selecting lighting, fabrics, a chair, dresser or rug. Steer clear of “over designed” baby styles and instead gravitate toward things that might work in any room of the house. A good example is a Thom Filicia fabric from Calico Corners.

Also consider layering a cowhide rug that might be used in a rustic living room, or repurposing a table or chest of drawers for a changing table.

One Unexpected 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Touch ............

Whether the room design is simple or eclectic, add at least one unexpected touch that makes the room reflect parents and baby alike.

Just one focal point and special item can add

so much. For instance, an inexpensive outdoor lantern painted a fun color adds a whimsical touch to a nursery, especially with a tiny faux bird attached!

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A DIAGNOSIS OF THE

handwrittenTHANK YOU

W

e’ve all done it; we’ve all gone to the depths of a closet or to the heights of an attic to unearth a box of treasured mementos. We slowly pry open the lid, taking in a breath and holding it as we carefully remove pieces of our past.

Some of our most cherished items are hand penned words of affection we’ve tucked away for safe keeping, tangible goods with memories attached. It might be a sweet 16 birthday card, a note tucked into your first dozen roses, or the bundle of letters you’ve collected written by the boyfriend who left for college, all tied together with a satin ribbon.

These items whisk us back to a memory; we feel the mood, hear the music and recall a scent.

Merci Beaucoup!

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BY DEBORAH PETERSON MILNE Can you imagine a future with no handwritten messages? They are the indubitable proof of a love, a friend or a time. It’s the tactile relationship with these objects of affection that are so tender. But fear not, the diagnosis for these notes and letters states this practice still has a pulse. Many of us are determined to keep the tradition alive and pass it on to the next generation. Putting pen to paper and choosing well thought out sentiments may be functioning with a diminished capacity, but its heart is beating strong.

Here are a few tips and favorite note card designs which are sure to inspire you in keeping this time-worn tradition alive: • Not all occasions need a unique note. Buy a box of blank notes and create your own message. Monogrammed notes add a touch of class.

• When you spy cards and stationery you love, stock up. Tuck them into a designated drawer or box so they are handy.

• Stay stocked on postage stamps to avoid lines at the post office and purchase online at usps.com.

• Order custom return address labels to cut down on writing time.

• If you are pressed for time, opt for a website such as Moonpig.com to save the day. This online store will customize, print, stamp and mail your card for a reasonable price, all from your sofa. It may not be written by your hand but in today’s world it’s an honorable alternative.

Personal

DearModern Chair

...............................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................................

A Bergere Chair Gets

.......................................

A

Family

of Notecards

....................................... ..............................................

Just a

Little Note

Hello from Heather and her

Mini Cooper

......................................

Return Label

Elegance

Assorted

Hats Collection

.............................................. .......................................

Frances Says

“Thank You!�

Pretty

Botanicals

.......................................

VintageAeroplane Postcards

3

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BLOGS WE

If you’re anything like us, you love stumbling upon a great blog! To make it easier for you, 120 we’re highlighting a few of our favorites.

Love!

BY LAKEITHA DUNCAN

why do we love their blog?

“Gus + Lula is about everything from design and the pretty things in life, to our home projects and adoption story,” says Britt. She and her husband are in the process of adopting not one, but two beautiful babies from Ethiopia!

When asked what the high points of adopting are, Britt said seeing the babies’ faces for the first time was definitely it. She also encourages anyone thinking of adopting to pray and pray a lot!

With babies come nurseries and we all know planning a nursery can be overwhelming, but Britt seems to be a woman who knows exactly what she wants. Using pieces already owned, she created a cheery and bright space that is appropriate for both boy and girl.

“We hope that our children will look back on photos of their first room and see how much love and excitement went into its making.”

- Britt

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why do we love her blog?

...from glossy orange to the brightest yellow...

Honey & Fitz is a blog that’s chock-full of great eye candy. We fell head over heels for Dina’s creativity, not to mention the fact that she is not afraid of color.

Painted furniture is all the rage these days, so if you’re in need of a little inspiration, Honey & Fitz is the blog for you!

From glossy orange to the brightest yellow...Dina’s makeovers are sure to inspire you to consider a happy dose of summer for your home!

why do we love his blog?

What do you get when you combine a guy with great taste, southern charm, and a love for thrifting? Mr. Goodwill Hunting of course! This fascinating blog inspires you to think outside the box when it comes to decorating your home. With the majority of his swoon worthy finds coming from thrift shops, he certainly has made thrifting “hip”!

“I hate paying full price for anything... unless it’s a limited item.” - GWH. With blogs being dominated by women, it’s fun to see a guy that can hold his own!

“I hate paying full price for anything... unless it’s a limited item.”

- GWH.

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why do we love her blog?

Jones Design Company is a place where Emily indulges her creativity while inspiring others at the same time.

Her love for art and design shines through on her delightful blog where she shares everything from DIY projects for the home, fun crafts, and downloads from her stationery business.

When reading Jones Design Company, it’s like sitting down with your best friend as she shares a fabulous new idea!

“When I was a little girl, I either wanted to be an artist or a window dresser” - Emily

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Emily has designed two printables for House of Fifty readers.

Sweet notecard!

Print and enjoy!

Summer Soiree!

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THE

BOOKS

ON OUR

SHELVES

BY JANELL BEALS

STICK MADE TO a smart read for bloggers and entrepreneurs

B

rothers Chip and Dan Heath explain in their provocative and often surprisingly funny book why some messages stick and others are quickly forgotten. What is the best way to improve the chances of making your message stick? Here they share

the “anatomy� of ideas that stick and explain ways to make your ideas stickier, helping to change the way you communicate.

A great read for bloggers and entrepreneurs alike who wish to get their message and products to stick in the minds of readers and customers!

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BIG NATE

fun & funny stories to encourage late night reading by growing boys

I

’m the first one finished, even Gina’s still working!

Ha, today I’ve surpassed all others!

Yeah, hear that everyone? Pass ‘em in... wait!

Check your answers front...and...back?

Did he say BACK? I flip my quiz over. My eyes feel like they’re going to pop out of my skull.

There ARE! EIGHT more questions! EIGHT questions I DIDN”T 128 EVEN SEE!!!!

WRECK THIS JOURNAL permission to make a mess, wreck a “book” and have fun doing it

An afternoon of silliness between friends and a creative outlet for preteens.

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TODD PARR a collection of encouraging bedtime stories for the little ones (and great lessons for us all, at any age!)

Our copies are well-worn and loved!

I LOVE YOUR STYLE for women of all ages, an entertaining guide to finding your personal style bliss

It can be a challenge to define your authentic style; this book will most certainly lend you a hand.

“Insist on yourself, never imitate.� Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Life, luxuriant.

LITTLE BLUE DEER

Dear Reader, Thank you so much for taking the time to read our premier issue of House of Fifty! As we are busy working on the Fall issue, coming in August, please tell us what you liked and what you would like to see more of‌ Looking forward to hearing from you, Janell

For advertising and feature inquiries please contact us at info@houseoffifty.com