Decorators' Show house - homeless!

Every other year the Junior League of Buffalo and The Buffalo News present a spectacular Decorators' Show House. This year they just can't find a house.
Do you own a house? know of someone? anyone?....The Junior League is just about to start begging and knocking on YOUR door. Here is what they need:

WE NEED A HOME!
The Junior League of Buffalo is in search of the15th Decorators’ Show House 2009.This renowned community fundraiser is held every two years and is co-sponsored by our partner, The Buffalo News. A house with historical and architectural interest is chosen traditionally within the city of Buffalo and is transformed by selected decorators and designers into a stunning Show House. The house is typically 7-8,000 square feet, must have a front and back staircase for proper visitor flow, a carriage house or garage for a boutique and the potential to be restored to its grandeur. Tickets will be sold to the public and the house will be open for viewing
April 27th – May 17th 2009.

If you are even maybe thinking about your house...give them a call and check out their website: www.jlbuffalo.org

A new favorite blog

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love my crockpot. I thought I was the only one who was obsessed with this marvelous appliance...that is until I saw this blog called A Year of CrockPotting.

The author, Stephanie, has pledged to use her crockpot everyday this year. Yes, 365 times straight. She has excellent recipes and great honest feedback (ie tells you when the meal bombs).

In my busy life - mother of two active boys and running my own business (www.thehomestylist.com) - I need and treasure easy meals. Crockpots rule!!!

Check that blog out for great recipes to ease your day.

Decorating a bomb shelter

I must confess that one of the reasons I became a decorator and stager is so I can see into other people's home. I love seeing how other people live and how people define their homes.

I have seen many different types of houses and styles ...and um...levels of cleanliness. But not long ago I had the unique opportunity to work on a large estate that has a bomb shelter on it. Pretty cool!

It was about 900 square feet. It has a kitchen and bathroom and all the proper ventilation and generators to make it work.

I can't tell you the exact location to respect the owners and also to prevent mischievous teens from locating it. (ya know what I mean!)

Have you ever been in a bomb shelter? If you had a space like this what would you do with it?

One thought I had is to let my sons use it as a "music" room - or specifically a drum practice room ;)

How about you? Throw an annual theme party? Stash Christmas presents in it?

Decorating a model home at Fox Run of Orchard Park

A few months ago I decorated a couple model homes on the campus of Fox Run of Orchard Park.

I did 2 1/2 homes. The guest suite was partially done and I decorated that in a simple cottage style. The patio home I transformed it from empty and cold to a beautiful traditional home. The apartment was decorated in the modern style. Three major styles, cottage, modern and traditional, were used so prospective residents could see a style they could relate to.

Here are a couple photos from the modern apartment:

Don't you want to live there?!

Design Star - who me?

I have been frequently asked if I will be applying for the next Design Star reality competition on HGTV.

Even though I enjoy the show there are personally two reasons why I would not apply or be on the show.

1. My family

My number 1 job is to be with my family.

2. My business

My number 2 job is to keep my business growing.

Do you know that you do not get paid to be on the show as a contestant other than a daily food allowance?

There would be no money coming in for months. Could you do that?

Did you know that if you WIN - you must move to wherever it is that the producers decide to shoot the show!

I do not want to move nor do I want to be separated from my family.

Simply put - I love my life just the way it is. thanks.

If you would like to check out the other applicants or to apply to be on the show,

check out this link: HGTV Design Star.

HGTV Design Star show - did you vote?

For me, Sunday night Design Star is appointment television. Do you watch it?

Tonight is the finale when they reveal the audience choice on the next HGTV Design star.

Who did you vote for? Was the final person the best choice?

Personally I think many the challenges throughout the series are very tough to execute for the time frames they give. Do you have a favorite challenge?

The Home Stylist celebrates

On August 2, 2008 The Home Stylist celebrates 6 years in business.

I am so blessed to love what I do for a living, meet fantastic clients, and be able to flex my schedule around my family.

Do you know that most small businesses don't make it past the 3 year mark? I am honor that my clients have helped me make The Home Stylist so successful.

Thank you!

And here's to making the next 6 years filled with even more creativity, friends and transformations!

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