Creative Home Expressions - Thoughts from Long Island

NYPA Offering Free Weatherization Kits To Customers

2008-11-14T17:33:41Z

NYPA is dispensing free weatherization kits to customers of municipal power companies as a statewide energy efficiency blitz.

LIPA customers are not eligible for the kits.

According to Richard Kessel, Chief of the New York Power Authority, the free kits, which include compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL), weather stripping, caulking, thermometers and window sealants can save customers 10-15 percent on their energy bills. This is as a result of NYPA trustees approving a $5 million grant to fund the kits to families of four with incomes of $45,000.00 or less.

If you are a customer of NYPA and fit the family income level, you can contact NYPA for a free kit (914) 681-6200 .

To see the various CFL bulbs available and their uses (as well as other energy saving tips) visit the Energy Star website here http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls_shapes.

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are based on Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and much more. Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for more information on our services and fees.

Personal Shopping For The Holidays

2008-11-13T10:02:28Z

As part of our shopping services for the holidays, Creative Home Expressions is offering Personal Shopping for your holiday gifts. Don't have the time? Need some ideas? We charge a flat hourly fee for our "Personal Shopper For The Holidays" Program. Let us also buy your gift wrap and bows, and we will even wrap the gifts for you at no additional charge! All you have to do is sign the gift tag!

Our gift certificates also make great holiday gifts!

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are located on Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign, shopping services and much more. Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for further information on our services, fees and to contact us.

copyright 2008 Creative Home Expressions

Art For The Sky ~ Coming To Commack, Long Island

2008-11-07T15:02:40Z

I found this in our local paper online this morning, in their blog area. I think this is so cool, when you think that from on the ground it just looks like people standing around. I had to share it here, and with my fellow Long Islanders. This is about Commack Middle School students and staff taking the shape of a lighthouse.

To the students and staff: Have fun with it guys! I, for one, can't wait to see the finished picture!

With Mr. Daniel Dancer's permission, below is one of his Art for the Sky projects. Thank you Mr. Dancer - your work is stunning!

Commack Schools blog post starts here:

By Brenda Lentsch

Next Thursday at 9 a.m., 1,900 students and 200 staff members from the Commack Middle School will take the shape of a gigantic lighthouse representing the students' shining beams of knowledge, understanding and respect. This event will be the culmination of a five-day Art for the Sky program orchestrated by Oregon conceptual artist, author and educator, Daniel Dancer.

The program is sponsored by the Commack Middle School P.T.A. Arts in Education. Dancer conducts Art for the Sky programs across the US with the goal of creating giant living paintings with global messages in each state. Images of his collaborative work with schools can be viewed in the "sky gallery" on his website: www.artforthesky.com. The CMS lighthouse will include the largest number of participants of any of Dancer's projects to date.

The lighthouse image will be formed by participants wearing clothing representing our school colors (black, gold, and white) and other materials necessary to complete the design. In front of the school, participants will gather in designated areas to become "human drops of paint" forming an image that will only make sense from the sky. The lighthouse image embodies our school's vision of our students' touching others in the world by sending outward their beams of knowledge, understanding, and respect.

Dancer will photograph the huge design from a ladder truck raised 100 feet in the air. Working in conjunction with the Commack and Dix Hills Fire Department, Scott Dalrymple, 2nd Assistant Chief of the Greenlawn Fire Department, our community partner, will operate the ladder truck while artist Daniel Dancer takes photographs to make the image come alive.

"Art for the Sky" is an art form that has a history dating back 3,000 years. The varied teachings of Art for the Sky help participants awaken their "sky sight," a manner of viewing the world in a big-picture way that gives greater access to creative thinking and problem solving. In working together to create Art for the Sky, participants experience the power of collaboration and the benefits of interdependence. And, like the images of nature and endangered species Dancer has helped other schools to create, Commack Middle School will show how we are benefiting the planet by depicting a lighthouse to represent the light of knowledge, understanding and respect that our students radiate in our community and beyond, for a brighter future and a safer world. Brenda Lentsch handles public relations for Commack Public Schools.

Ava Living ~ Featured Again!

2008-11-05T12:33:23Z

Back in July, I posted about being a Featured Designer on Ava Living (www.avaliving.com). Well, imagine my surprise when I signed on the website this afternoon and saw that I was being featured again, for a different room!

Kathy Passarette, and Creative Home Expressions, is based on Long Island, New York, and offers interior decorating, interior redesign, home staging and more. Visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for more information on our services.

Halloween On Long Island ~ Pumpkin Picking

2008-10-23T09:42:19Z

Sales are up this year on pumpkins! Could it be that family traditions and holidays are our sanctuary from what is going on in the world right now?

Here in Suffolk County, there is no shortage of places to pick pumpkins and it makes for a fun family day, whether you just bring them home and put them on the front porch, or carve them up for Halloween. There is nothing that brings a smile to your face quicker than seeing a small child try to pick a pumpkin twice their size!

Get an early start to visit one of these pumpkin farms:

Albert H. Scmitt Family Farms: Located on Bagatelle Road, Melville. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays. For further information (631) 549-1159; www.schmittsfamilyfarms.com.

Elwood Pumpkin Farm: Located on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information 9631) 368-8626.

White Post Farms: Located on Old Country Road in Melville. Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For further information (631) 351-9373; www.whitepostfarm.com.

Kaufold's Country Florist Farm: Located on Middle Country Road in Ridge. Open weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For further information (631) 924-1265.

Stakey's Pumpkin Farm: Located on West Lane in Aquebogue. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and Noon to 5 p.m. weekdays. For further information (631) 722-3467; www.stakeyspumpkinfarm.com.

This is just a few of the many pumpkin farms that can be found on Long Island.

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are based on Long Island, New York, and can help you accessorize with your pumpkins. For more information please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com.

Halloween On Long Island ~ Haunted Houses

2008-10-22T12:17:42Z

As my birthday is on Halloween, I have a special interest in the goings on at this time of year. While I love the idea of Haunted Houses, I tend to stay away after losing my voice from screaming one year. At this point in my life, my age is about the only scary thing I can handle on Halloween.

Most of the Haunted Houses listed are not suitable for small children (unless you want to be up with them for nights on end), but there are other events they will enjoy.

Nassau County

Bayville Scream Park: Located on Bayville Avenue in Bayville. This amusement park's Bloodworth Manor and Evil in the Woods is not for kids, but they do take the little ones into consideration with Temple of Terror and Funhouse of Fear on kids' days ($8.00 each). Open 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, 6-10 p.m. Sundays -Thursdays up until November 9, 2008. For more information (516) 62-GHOST; www.bayvillescreampark.com.

Valley Stream Haunted Firehouse: Located on Brooklyn Avenue, Valley Stream. This is not for children under 10 years of age. You can view an "autopsy" and have a picture taken of your own execution. An entire firehouse floor is being used for this event, which ends November 1, 2008. $10.00 per person. For more information (516) 353-9637.

Suffolk County

Darkside Haunted House: Located on Route 25A in Wading River. Probably one of the more well-known Haunted Houses in Suffolk County, also has a Haunted Village. I can confirm that this is not for the faint of heart. This is not recommended for children under 12. The Village is suitable for all during daytime hours. Admission is $10.00; $5.00 for the Village only afternoons; after 6 p.m. admission is $18.00. For more information (631) 369-SCAR; www.darksideproductions.com.

Mills Pond House of Horrors: Located on Route 25A in St. James. This is a Historic Haunted House with 3,600 sq. ft. of special effects. Not recommended for small children. From October 12-26^th it is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; From October 29^th and 30^th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on October 31^st from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $15.00. For more information (631) 862-6575.

The Haunted Inn: Located on Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays, the Haunted Inn burned down in 1921 killing two people who are believed to roam the halls. Halloween week from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $15.00. For further information (631) 728-4121; www.hauntedinnli.com.

North Babylon Fire Dept.: Located on Wallace Court in North Babylon, this Firehouse of Terror is geared toward younger and older children. Open Friday-Sunday through Halloween. Admission is $12.00. Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. to midnight; Sundays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Halloween night 7 p.m. to midnight.

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are based on Long Island, New York, and can help you decorate, stage or redesign your house (haunted or otherwise). For further information, please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com.

Paying it Forward

2008-10-13T15:22:55Z

Danny Thornton recently wrote a post here, about a new series he is starting that will highlight some Active Rain members on his outside blog. These members will be from the various professions offered in the real estate and mortage industry. I hope you will visit Danny's blog and check out this series. I think it's great that he is focusing these posts on other members.

Yours truly is up first, and I have reblogged it so that his selfless series will get a little more attention.

Via Danny Thornton:

I wrote a post over the weekend detailing another series that I have recently started. It is not one that is based here in the rain, but outside. The philosphy behind it is to promote other professionals in our industry. I wanted to add a link to the first one as this may clear up some misunderstandings of what it was all about. I hope you enjoy the read.

Stagers that you can trust: Kathy Passarette

October Is Window Covering Safety Month

2008-10-01T06:18:07Z

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Counsel (CPSC) since 1990 approximately 200 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling in window cords. Window Fashions Certified Professional Associate, Kathy Passarette of Creative Home Expressions (a Long Island based interior decorating firm), urges parents to follow the suggestions of the Window Covering Safety Counsel (WCSC) and only use cordless window products in young children's bedrooms and sleeping areas. Owners and renters should replace all window coverings in the home made before 2001 with today's safer products.

The WCSC is dedicated to providing consumer information and educational materials on window-cord safety. They also offer consumers free retrofit devices for addressing potential cord hazards on older window treatments, in other rooms throughout the home. You can visit their website at www.windowcoverings.org or toll-free at 1-800-506-4636.

Make the right choice, Kids - Cords - Caution

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are based on Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, interior redesign, home staging, color consultations and a la carte services. For more information and tips, please visit www.creativehomeexpressions.com.

Recently Staged Colonial in East Moriches, New York

2008-09-16T17:25:16Z

This beautiful home in East Moriches, New York, was recently staged by Kathy Passarette and the Creative Home Expressions team, and it offers hardwood floors, impressive columns, a breathtaking staircase and much, much more. These pictures offer a glimpse into this family friendly Colonial home.

ADDITIONAL PICTURES

Guest Bedroom

Guest Bathroom

Looking down on den fr/2nd floor

For further information, or to view this home in person, please contact Realtor Kimberly Misuraca of Coldwell Banker M&D Good Life at (631) 878-6080.

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are based on Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and color consultations. Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for further information on our services and fees.

Freshen Up Your Home This Fall

2008-09-07T20:16:03Z

Gas at $4.00 a gallon, food prices rising, pillows costing $7.00 on airlines, is it any wonder that "staycations" and "cocooning" have become buzz words recently. With our current economy, more and more people are choosing to stay at home and making do with what they've got. Decorating your home is more important than ever now. With Fall just around the corner, our thoughts turn back to sprucing up the inside of our homes.

While you may not feel you need a full interior decorating job, many decorators can work with you on an hourly basis for such things as: window treatments; paint color selection; accessory shopping and placement. Interior redesign utilizes furniture and accessories you already own but perhaps placed in a different way so that you see it through fresh eyes.

Some fresh tips to get you started:

Toss pillows and throws in the dryer on a "fluff" (no heat) setting with a fabric softener sheet.
Clean your windows, inside and out.
Have your carpets cleaned.
Change out your artwork.
Paint a white room a warmer color using one of this year's new colors, such as a golden yellow or a browned-down orange.
Purchase a few new throw pillows in Fall's warmer colors to cozy up your seating pieces.

Photo courtesy Pottery Barn

Our homes are truly our sanctuaries from all that is going on in the outside world; why not make it that place you can come into, close the door and go "Ahhh".

Copyright 2008 Creative Home Expressions ~ Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are located on Long Island, New York and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and color consultations. Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressins.com for information on our services and fees.

Fall Into Color ~ Trends for Fall 2008

2008-08-29T08:08:12Z

If you've started receiving your Fall/Winter clothing catalogs, you are ahead of the game in what colors will be the trend in interior decorating this Fall and into 2009. The colors from the Fall fashion lines transition to the colors we see as trends in home décor. It is not unusual to ask a client what colors they feel good wearing, because you can translate those same colors used in clothing lines into the home.

Photo courtesy Metrostyle

Reds will be split between the strong blue based and yellow based hues.

Orange continues to show up with brown-downed shades, but also include a brighter tangerine and an updated coral.

Yellow will range from bright to antique golds.

Green continues to be widely used, in all hues, taking its influence from nature. Greens create a cool, calming feeling and give you that outdoor connection.

Blues are a constant. While robin's egg blues are declining a bit, there are softer tints of blue along with bold bright blues. The newer versions of navy are considered on the formal side.

Purple more of a red based raspberry like hue, as opposed to the blue based purples that have been previously popular.

Photo courtesy Metrostyle

Brown is getting a little bit lighter with sand and tan colors. As with the greens, the nature inspired browns are still being used.

Long term, the trends are forecasting neutrals, the spa-like blues and nature based greens, although they are grayed-down and earthy. So, if you want to be a trendsetter in home décor, just check out the fashion catalogs - the color of that sweater you like so much may wind up being the color on your walls.

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are based on Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign, color consultations and more. Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for more information.

Mount Sinai Adult Ed Program ~ Top Ten Interior Decorating Mistakes

2008-08-26T10:49:21Z

Join Interior Decorator, Kathy Passarette of Creative Home Expressions on Thursday, October 16, 2008, from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Mount Sinai High School for the Adult Education Program "Top Ten Decorating Mistakes and How To Fix Them". You can register through the Adult Education link at the Mount Sinai School District website.

Bring pictures of your own home for discussion after the program.

The fee is $25.00 (free for senior citizens).

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are based on Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign, color consultations and many other services. Visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for further information on our services and fees.

Restoration Hardware Outlet Coming to Long Island!

2008-08-14T17:35:30Z

Get ready Long Island - Restoration Hardware is opening an outlet at the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead! They are planning their Grand Opening for Saturday, August 28, 2008, with an additional 20% off the outlet prices. Expect 20-90% off on new, discontinued and not quite perfect furniture, textiles, lighting and home accessories.

Their hours will be Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; plenty of time to browse and shop!

I really like the selection that Restoration Hardware offers and frequently utilize them as a resource for my clients.

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are located on Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, interior redesign, home staging and color consultations. Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for more information on our services and fees.

A Visit To St. John's University

2008-07-22T17:03:54Z

Today my husband and I attended the parent orientation at St. John's University in Queens, New York. My son has been there since Monday morning for a three day freshman orientation; sleeping over in the dorm, meeting new people, learning the rules and what he can expect of college life.

While walking from building to building for the various topics, I took some pictures of this beautiful campus. It is so well maintained and landscaped; seating is everywhere, inviting students to sit and chat or just enjoy the view.

Our visit started here, at the dining hall (to the right) where the students and parents enjoyed a free breakfast. To the left and down this stone roadway are the residence halls.

Across from the dining hall and residences is a staircase, on multi-levels, with benches and lovely landscaping.

Shortly after I took these pictures, it got cloudy and started to rain. So we headed back into the dining hall where the freshman were grouping together to head out. Because of the pouring rain, the school gave out (for no charge) St. John's umbrellas to the students and parents. They soon headed out and up the stairs. I thought it was a cute sight to see almost 1,000 St. John's umbrellas bobbing up the stairs, on their way into Manhattan as part of a community service project.

After about an hour the sun came out and I took these pictures just walking from building to building.

This is just a small sampling of the campus. There are also areas with umbrellaed tables and chairs, as well as adirondack chairs and benches set up in various configurations.

Tooting My Own Horn - Featured on AvaLiving.com

2008-07-20T08:03:57Z

I received an e-mail Friday evening letting me know that a website I joined a few months ago was going to have me as one of their "Featured Designers" for the week of July 20th, with my condo model living room. I am one of 5 or 6 on the home page. You can visit it at AvaLiving.com. Ava Living has a directory of interior designers/decorators from all over the world. It is a great free site for listing your business, blogging, joining groups and adding some of your portfolio pictures. I utilize it mainly as a directory listing, and when I check on where I am on Google, this website does come up.

I love free directory listings and thought I'd share this new one. Even if you don't want to register, it has some wonderful pictures on it that may provide some inspiration for your next project!

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are based on Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and color consultations. Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for more information.

Hamptons Helicopters Help

2008-07-06T09:24:58Z

You know when Summer starts on Long Island because you start to hear the helicopters overhead on Friday evenings as they come from Manhattan and head to the Hamptons. Then it starts again on Sunday as they all head back to Manhattan. The stragglers will wait and go Monday morning, when you can usually hear them at about 5:00 a.m. The problem is they fly over residential areas and their noise pollution interferes with residents enjoying their own backyards.

In April of this year, Senator Schumer announced a plan to help Long Islanders report helicopters flying below (when you can feel the walls of your house shake) or outside their designated routes. The plan has routed the flights from midtown Manhattan to East Hampton and Gabreski Airport over Long Island Sound, at a minimum altitude of 2,500 feet. It also sends pilots offshore from LaGuardia Airport to Shoreham, where helicopters fly inland over pine barrens and Peconic Bay to reach the East End airports.

Hopefully, we can all enjoy Long Island this Summer!

The hotlines for reporting helicopters not following the plan: Suffolk residents can call Gabreski Airport at 631-852-8095 (although there has been talk of a dedicated 800 number being set up); Nassau residents can call North Hempstead's 311 center.

Kathy Passarette, and Creative Home Expressions, are based on Long Island, New York. We offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and color consultations. Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for more information about our services and fees.

Bringing The Indoors Out ~ Part 2

2008-04-23T16:45:05Z

Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs

It is important to include layers of height to your outdoor room. Except for the patio umbrella, everything tends to be the same height, giving a "flat" feel to the décor. Don't be afraid to use unconventional items to achieve this. I have an inexpensive metal baker's rack that I use outside. It helps lift plants up to eye level, as well as candles and any outdoor accessories that I want to highlight.

Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs

If you plan on using your outdoor room quite frequently at night, use white plants and flowers, and touches of white in your accessories. This helps to brighten up the area and garden.

Pick up real dishes (not plastic) at the dollar store or an outlet store. The same goes for glasses. Make your table outside as pretty as your table inside.

Pots of plants will bring instant color to your outdoor room. Plus, you can move them around at will depending on your mood or outdoor activity. Be sure to pick up colorful plants that work for the spot they will be in. Don't ignore colorful foliage, like coleus, which comes in many colors and can do better than some annuals. The pot you put them in should suit your outdoor décor as well. Try to be consistent as to style or color.

Coleus photo courtesy of Old House Attic

With some simple sewing skills, you can make your own pillows or "slipcovers" for your outdoor furniture using outdoor fabrics.

Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs

For slipcovers, put the fabric together like a pillowcase, with one end open to slip over an everyday outdoor folding chair. You've dressed up an inexpensive folding chair and coordinated it with the rest of your outside décor.

Just like when you are decorating inside your home, save your accessorizing until last. Look and see where there is an empty spot and fill with either pots of plants or accessories. You don't have to fill every blank spot; just like inside your home, your eye needs a place to rest.

Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs

Kathy Passarette and Creative Home Expressions are located on Long Island, New York, and offer interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and color consultations. For more information on our services please visit our website at http://www.creativehomeexpressions.com/.

Bringing The Indoors Out ~ Part 1

2008-04-21T08:23:13Z

photos courtesy of Restoration Hardware

No matter the size of your yard, deck or patio you can extend your indoor living outdoors. Even if you live in the Northeast, you can make good use of the six months of good weather we get to make the most of your outdoor living spaces. Paying more attention to your outdoor rooms is even more important as people downsize and are looking to make better use of the space they do have.

You can screen out areas of your yard with a wall of evergreens, which is great for the working areas of your yard as it allows separation from your entertaining areas. If you have a compost pile or an area where you let your dog do its business, screening this keeps any mess or smell from areas where you sit and entertain.

While most people set out the standard table, chairs and umbrella, you can take your outdoor décor up a notch just by adding some simple accessories. With the wide array of outdoor materials now available you can dress up your outdoors to reflect your indoors. Color is just as important outside as it is inside. You can get quite a bit of help from the plants in your yard whether they be evergreens to set up your "walls" or splashes of color in pots.

Structures such as gazebos, trellises and pergolas add some architectural interest to your outdoor room, much the same as moldings do inside. Adding an outdoor fabric to these structures softens the wood or metal and adds some color.

Lighting - garden lights, candles or a mix of the two can give your yard a warm glow and extend your daytime enjoyment into the night. With the variety of lighting options from easy to install light kits to solar lighting, you can create ambiance in your own back yard. Candles can be used from floating tea lights to pillar, there are numerous ways to incorporate them into your décor. There are many decorative candle holders that fit in with themed décor or blend in with your landscape.
Outdoor fireplaces - not only extend the hours you can spend outside, but can also extend your season outdoors. There are many different styles to choose from; you can even build your own fire pit.
Fabric - outdoor fabrics have come a long way over the years offering a lot more than the usual awning stripe. You can use these fabrics for pillows, to cover cushions, make tablecloths or even be used as outdoor curtains.
Furniture - your outdoor rooms are a great place to use found furniture pieces. They can easily be freshened up with some spray paint. Metal baker's racks made great vertical storage and also help break up all the horizontal surfaces. Don't be afraid to bring pieces from the inside out for the day - just bring them back in at night.
Pillows - pillows add softness to your chairs and benches. How inviting a cushioned chair looks for reading a book or just sitting quietly.
Outdoor area rugs. Define the seating areas, just like they do inside your home.

Many things that you use indoors can be recreated outdoors. You can use mirrors, lighting, pillows, candles, statuary and plants. If it's not welcoming or comfortable you won't use it, just like the living room with a "hands off" feel.

Finding a table that suits your needs is a good place to start. A round table helps to break up the straight lines of many backyards. In addition to any chairs you get with the set, it is always a good idea to have extra seating. This can be in the form of larger chairs, a bench or lounge chairs, all with cushions. Small side tables suitable for outdoor use make it easy for placing a book or drink on.

Part 2 Coming Soon

Young Comedians Help Ronald McDonald House

2008-04-09T09:49:55Z

On April 13, 2008, at 3:00 p.m., Theatre Three in Port Jefferson will be hosting the first annual Kids ‘N Comedy Showcase. Young comedians, ages 13 to 17, will be performing their stand-up routines to help benefit Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. These young comedians regularly perform in New York City, for Kids ‘N Comedy, and attend workshops, classes and summer camp for children interested in learning stand-up.

Half the proceeds from the show will be going to the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, which is located in New Hyde Park, right by Schneider Children's Hospital. Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home for families who have sick children in an area hospital. Ronald McDonald House of Long Island has served more than 8,000 families since opening in 1986, some from Nassau and Suffolk County, the Metropolitan area, all 50 states and 62 foreign countries.

Theatre Three is located at 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, New York. Tickets are $15.00 per person. To purchase tickets, call (631) 928-9100 or visit http://www.theatrethree.com/. For more information about Kids ‘N Comedy, visit http://www.kidsncomedy.com/.

Kathy Passarette, and Creative Home Expressions, is located on Long Island, New York, and offers interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and color consultations. For more information about our services and fees please visit our website at http://www.creativehomeexpressions.com/.

Home Stager Fees Are Tax Deductible

2008-04-02T10:03:15Z

I came across this article this morning from The Kansas City Star that says Home Stager fees paid directly by the Homeowner are tax deductible. To summarize, it is considered "advertising fees" and falls under allowable selling expenses. However, while the stager's services are deductible, expenses for repairs, maintenance or permanent redecorating of the house are not.

Homeowners should check with their tax professional.

Kathy Passarette, and Creative Home Expressions, is based on Long Island, New York, and offers home staging, interior decorating, interior redesign and color consultations. For more information on our services please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com.

Affordable Decorating Tips

2008-03-16T19:04:16Z

One of the easiest things to do, without spending any money, is to look around your rooms and clean up any clutter. This includes too many knick-knacks on display, too many family pictures, too much of anything. Remember, less is more. Your accessories will make a bigger impact when they can be fully appreciated. If too many things overwhelm your eye those special items will not stand out. If necessary, pack up some items for six months and then rotate them back out.

Move things around. Furniture, accessories, and pictures. Move things to another room to see it in another light.

Make a duvet cover out of two flat sheets. Sew, or use iron-on hem tape on, three sides with right sides together, turn right side out and use buttons or Velcro to close the top.

One woman's trash is another woman's treasure. I got a cute two-shelved teacart someone grew tired of and put out with their garbage. I knocked on the door and asked for permission to take it. Now painted and stenciled, it sits in my dining room holding some of my many collections.

Utilize online auction sites, such as ebay. I got four old 11x14 floral bookplate prints for around $18.00, and four new 11x14 frames, with glass, for around $25.00. I now have a nice series of pictures that would retail for upwards of $100.00 and only cost me $43.00, plus shipping.

Think outside the box. A lazy-susan for your craft paints, a mug or tumbler to hold pens; just because it's sold as one thing doesn't mean you can't use it as another.

Buy a tall, thin, clear glass bottle carried by many stores (including dollar stores) for just a few dollars. Put your dishwashing soap in it. It's something you use all the time, it will be handy, and the color of the soap will give you some color by your sink. Top it off with a decorative cork topper.

Buy ready-made drapes, curtains or valances and add your own trim with iron-on hem tape, hot glue or sewing. Get a custom look for a ready-made price. You can do this with your decorative throw pillows, too.

My next project is a corkboard with a decorative frame. The one I like costs $179.00 retail. Find a corkboard the size you like, a little larger even for fitting to the frame and possible cutting. Next, find a decorative frame you like whether it's from an old picture you already own and don't care for anymore; flea market; garage sale; or thrift shop. Fit the corkboard to the frame (cutting to fit if necessary) and attach with staples, small wood braces across the corners, or picture divets. Along these same lines, you can do a chalkboard by getting a thin piece of wood, such as luaun, cut to fit your frame, paint with a few coats of blackboard paint, and attach it to the frame. You have a corkboard or chalkboard that retails for a minimum of $120.00, that will cost you, maybe, $25.00 and a Saturday afternoon.

Courtesy of Ballard Designs

Change out your lampshades instead of replacing the whole lamp. Sometimes that little change is all you need. Just remember to take off the plastic.

Use a stack of hardcover books to elevate your tablescapes or a too small lamp. Your side tables should have items of varying heights on them. Since you most likely have books in your home, take the paper covers off and utilize them in your décor. They will also become a part of the tablescape.

Kathy Passarette, and Creative Home Expressions, is located on Long Island, New York, and offers interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and color consultations. For more information about our fees and services please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com.

Help Someone Dress For Success

2008-03-12T10:04:18Z

Dress for Success, a non-profit organization run by Brookhaven Town's Department of Women's Services is partnering with Dress Barn to encourage residents to donate new or gently used clothing for financially disadvantaged woman to outfit themselves appropriately for an interview, so that they can gain meaningful employment. Dress for Success has served more than 2,800 women since its inception in 1997.

Clients who are referred to Dress for Success have two things in common: they have a low income and are ready to begin employment, meaning they have had training about the interview process, how to create a sufficient resume and more. They will be outfitted at the Dress for Success boutique with a suit and a couple of additional outfits for the beginnings of their working wardrobe.

Donations will be accepted from March 30 through April 5, 2008. Clothing should be clean, in good repair and on hangers. For more information or to make a clothing donation you can call Dress for Success at 631-451-9127 or visit their website at www.dressforsuccess.org/brookhaven .

Kathy Passarette, and Creative Home Expressions, is based on Long Island, New York, and offers interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and color consultations. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.creativehomeexpressions.com/.

My Own Long Island Ducks

2008-03-10T17:11:41Z

No, it's not the baseball team, whose website you can find here. Baseball fans may know that Bud Harrelson helped found the team. These Long Island Ducks are based in Central Islip, New York.

It is also not the infamous Big Duck built in 1931 by duck farmer Martin Maurer to be used as a shop to sell ducks and duck eggs, originally in Riverhead. It is now owned by Suffolk County. This Duck building is 18 feet wide, 30 feet long and 20 feet high.

No, my very own Long Island ducks are this lovely couple, who, for some reason, have decided that my in-ground pool is their own personal vacation pond. They arrived this morning (amongst much "quacking") and have shown up for the past several years.

This was last year. They don't care whether or not the pool cover is off; if there is water there they are on it. They freak my dog out because she doesn't like to go into the water, so she paces around the pool watching them. I have never seen any kind of nest or egg or baby ducks for that matter.

So, there you have it - my very own Long Island ducks. Now, if they would just eat some bugs or slugs while they are here I wouldn't mind them using the pool!

Kathy Passarette, and Creative Home Expressions, is based on Long Island, New York, and offers interior decorating, home staging, interior redesigns and color consultations. For more information, please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com.

Spring Decorating Tips

2008-03-04T09:00:25Z

Spring is coming, Spring is coming! On Thursday, March 20, 2008, to be exact! Is your home still in Winter mode? Use these tips from interior decorator, Kathy Passarette of Creative Home Expressions to freshen up your home for spring.

To freshen up your living areas for spring, and while doing a good spring-cleaning, move some of your collectibles around to give you a fresh perspective and appreciation of your belongings.

Keeping your décor simple adds to the relaxed feeling of the season and readies you for the summer months. Use colors a couple of shades lighter than the existing colors in your rooms. This way you are not disrupting your color scheme, just giving it a lighter, more airy look.

Remove thick, and dark colored, area rugs. If you must have an area rug, use a natural fiber rug in its place; sisal, sea grass and jute are just a few of the many options available.

Take down heavy drapes, and replace with sheers or unlined curtains. They come in all colors and textures, so there is always something to match your décor.

Clean out your fireplace, but don't leave it bare. Fill it with a display of varying heights of candles, a floral arrangement, or white birch logs stacked neatly. Or you can display a decorative fire screen, one you've made or purchased to fill the space.

Lighten up your mantle by leaving it decorated simply; a vase or pot of spring flowers or flowering stems (like forsythia) will add some color and fragrance to the room. A simple painting or mirror with a couple of votive candles is all you need.

Trade out dark colored throw pillows for light colored florals or stripes. If you want to sew your own pillows, today's outdoor fabrics are being used indoors now for ease of cleaning and durability. Slipcovers in denim or cotton duck fabrics look clean and crisp; they also wash up easily.

Finally, a fresh coat of paint, whether on your walls or to update some tired furniture is the least expensive thing you can do for the most impact.

Kathy Passarette, and Creative Home Expressions, is based on Long Island, New York, and offers interior decorating, home staging, interior redesigns and color consultations. Please visit our website at www.creativehomeexpressions.com for more information.

St. Baldrick's ~ Suffolk Residents Go Bald To Raise Money For Cancer

2008-02-27T11:10:32Z

Every year, throughout the month of March, Suffolk County residents shave their heads in an effort to raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which was created in 2000 to support research for childhood cancers. They also aid in finding less invasive treatments for those with cancer.

Last year, fundraisers in Suffolk County alone raised $500,000.00. Events will be held throughout Suffolk County this year from Napper Tandy's Irish Pub in Northport to Tommy's Place in Rocky Point. The Connetquot School District will be joining in this year as part of the Fox network's "FOX School Challenge" that encourages kids to help kids.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation funds 230 children's oncology groups, research institutions and medical centers across North America. One hundred percent of the proceeds from these fundraisers go toward the foundation to support its cause.

The event at Tommy's Place will be held on March 8, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. To find other event dates and times, and to get further information, you can call 1-888-899-2253 or visit http://www.stbaldricks.org/ and click on "find an event".

Kathy Passarette, and Creative Home Expressions, is located on Long Island, New York, and offers interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and color consultations. For more information please visit our website at http://www.creativehomeexpressions.com/.