I often think about how fortunate most of us are, to be surrounded by our familiar loved items. Being lucky enough to have the talent to transform simple oddments into enviable rooms is something we oft take for granted.

Reading in the Washington Post   The Comforts of a Temporary Home

about what the IRIS chapter in the Capital Corridor had created, really took me to the other side.  The people who's lives had changed. Sometimes we are going along, minding our own business, doing all the right things, taking the good life for granted and then POOF - in a puff of smoke it can all disappear.  and how horrible and frightening that must be.

Takes me back to my childhood, when my mom used to say "There, but for the grace of God, go I"

I salute my fellow IRIS members for their hard work,  kind gestures, &  willingness to fight to make it happen. The incredible job they did.

and more - for the understanding they showed,  diving dumpsters, finding sponsors, believing  - holding out to make a transition that will be painful for most, the least awkward and the most healing.   Knowing, that this gift we share, is not just for those that can afford it ,and they are important too.

But it should be shared with those who dont have, or who cannot imagine, because we are all living this life together. We are all on earth to do our best to help those we can. Goodwill to all.   How many lives will be blessed and changed because a group of women in the Capital Corridor understood the POWER of change?

Each of us must do our duty, and I am awed by how well they, Pam and her merry talented Redesigners, have done.

I just read a comment on the article.  one woman wrote that "these women should come to my apartment, they did such a great job."  And I had to smile.   Yes, yes ...that is what we are talking about.   What we hold, what we distill what we sell and sometimes give away for all the right reasons.

The joy of living the right way - beauty comfort individuality and style  -  PRICELESS  

life is short - run to the phone and call one of us  - we do make a palpable difference  - we transform the way you live.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I, while driving back home from a Halloween party, lamented on the fact that our house is so tiny, we cant have a crowd over for a meal.  Ligthtbulb goes off when we realize that we have that awful screen room.

Awfully large - it runs the width of two rooms and awfully ugly.  Cold, leaky eyesore.  and full of junk  - its my work room of sorts.

So hubby decides on Monday that we should invite 12 people over to dinner on Saturday.   I dont panic cos I know he will do the cooking and all I have to do is perform miracles.   Make that room look halfway decent without spending a dime.  Impossible?  you are right.

We had to spend some money.  Target and Ikea - 2 good bargain hunting grounds. so a couple of shopping trips squeezed around other duties - I was the lone parent arriving late for the debate club mandatory meeting - but it was thursday night and IKEA had the goods.

5 heavy shower liners, a bunch of candles a can of white spraypaint and some cheap curtains, 2 packets of cuphooks,  a long curtain rod and we are in business.   I spent Friday filling in holes with styrofoam.  Dont ever buy the cheap styrofoam cutter from Michael's.  It worked like a charm for about 10 pieces and that was it.   So it was hack city after that.   After hubby drilled the holes for the cuphooks and hung the shower liners, it was my turn to drag, push, pull  & vacuum.

I must say that the end result was worth the effort.  Everyone thought that the place looked like an arabian tent, with the fabric, the carpets and the candles.  A lovely evening was had by all.  The food was delicious.  The conversation sparkled.  The wine and water flowed.

We started with a sparkling wine and goat cheese crostini,  followed by a sit down meal of boef bourginon and stuffed turnips.  Fabulous reds were served including an outstanding Paulliac, and some tasty Chinon.  

Desert was a splendind tarte tatin made with pears and served warm.

After dinner drinks on a tray, with tiny adorable glasses, included one of my favorite - rasberry alcohol, as well as cognac.

Our table tennis table was a hit.  you could talk to anyone or everyone.

Behold the Screen Room of Horrors before:

The screen room magically transformed:

Seeing these incredible pictures sparked my imagination and my joy.  What a labor of love.

Take a look and see what else I found that is made of recycled glass.

The Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew temple, built with more than a million glass bottles in Thailand's Sisaket province. This  Buddhist temple has used discarded bottles to reach Nirvana.  A glorious homage to an everyday object.

Simple shapes made for every day drinking become art and buildings.    Over a million bottles and where did they find the bottles and what was inside.  How long did it take and this sparks the question:  how many BUDDHISTS DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A TEMPLE?

What bliss: 

Did they bury the entire bottle or was it just the bottom ?  Remember the childhood rhyme we would sing about 900 bottles on the wall ?

Was the creation a merry singing chorus with voices rising to the heavens as the bottles and concrete created structure art and design  ?

I found these glorious incredible visuals on Yahoo news.     The enterprising Monks have built everything from Crematorium shelter and toilets out of discarded glass bottles.  One persons discards become the shelter of others.  Not just any shelter.  But a shelter to house the glory of belief.

I have seen windows in Africa made from discarded bottles, and windows surrounded by bottle bottoms,  as well as etched recycled glasses cut down from bottles.  This prompted a search on the internet.  Poor countries recycle from need, we can learn a lot from what they bring.

The imagination and desperation has spawned an echo of beauty to marvel at.

here are some totally cool glass ideas for tables and homes  :

http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?source=related&itemId=14563 

How about recycled glass counters - look at these fabulous colors  and looks:

Check out this Website  - lots of glass top makers and the color and form are delicious.

http://www.vetrazzo.com/products_palette.html

Cobalt Skyy® Bistro Green  Alehouse Amber Glass House                        

These glassesabove are all from :  Pristine Planet

http://www.pristineplanet.com/recycled-glasses-glass-tumblers-recycled/glassware/995_a_0.html

and below Bubble Pitcher and Cups by Esque   Recycled glass stock using wind power, handmade in Portland OR

Handmade by Esque  Sleeping Ligntawake bird  by Esque.

Tell me you are not dreaming about the magic of glass and the translucent music and magnificence of the shiny hard medium of glass.

Sculpture form shape and memory to set your mind dreaming  almost looks like some of my favorite pieces that arent recycled:

Daum Ultraviolet Tulip Vase   Lalique Bacchanter Vase Amber

SO many of us have pets, and you guessed it with pets comes decor.  Every dog or cat deserves a perch that reflects their position in the home. A tufted pillow in a matching fabric.would look good in the room.  

Dried herbs inside the pillow cover, like lavender and sage, would add a sweet scent when they shift on that plush pillow.  A removable cover and perhaps a few changes, on hand to reflect the mood, of the moment. red velvet for romantic evenings, and lace or flowers for that special tea.  A hearty red white and blue for the 4th of July.

and what about a tiny pillow to lay her head on?

Every cat needs some sweet jewelry to celebrate her name, and each dog should have a leash holder fit for a king.

Once you get to the pet bowls they too should color coordinate with the room.  A cabinet with a matched set of display bottles for the various snacks and dried foods.  Fido deserves no less.  Colorful containers to hold toys and mundane grooming gear.  Labels and arty toppers to add pizzaz.  Baskets painted to blend in, or stand out.

A pin board with pet motif pins like bone shapes, suitable for Groovy Gal's latest photos and some of her friends too, plus the coupons for the latest dog wash.   A shelf for matching fluffy towels and brushes.  Fab jars for hair clips and jeweled collars.

Every piece should be staged to add the perfect petting place - that enhances the home, your's and your pets.

A doggie door that is painted in style, perhaps with a crown or a dog bone.  Cute, stylish or kitsch every dog or cat or even chameleon should be quartered in blended animal style.  A fabulous fake leopard skin bed - what feline could ask for more?

If you have a bird, the cover should be in a coordinated fabric, with a interesting  or decorative trim. Use the left over curtain or chair or cushion fabric to make the bird cage an extension of your space.

Bird seeds shells dropping?  Sew a large bird mat in a coordinating fabric. Or paint the cage or basket in a bold red or lively purple or even a stylish silver with a diamante clasp.

Your guests will be enchanted and your pet will be wagging his tail with glee.

check out some of these amazing sites :  http://www.pawprintzpetboutique.com/

http://www.justdoggiestuff.com/ (mainly clothes) http://www.tailsbythelake.com/rasdesdogbow.html (bowls)

www.coolpetstuff.com/ http://www.thepamperedpup.com

TIme to swing the tassels, to bump and grind the cosy square.

Are your pillows RIGHT for the room and your needs?

Today's cushions are all the rage, in every color shape and texture.

The choices are overwhelming from Target to exquisite hand made models, and everything in between.

Pillows have a way of bringing the colors in the room together and finishing off the look. Use your discerning eye to pop the pillows out of the park .... its an easy way to change the look

I love the idea of mixing a couple of different types with similar colors or similar types with different colors.

This one from urban outfitters has the bird theme which is totally in. and gets our pillow ball rolling.  Mix up cheap and expensive pillows to get a rich personal look.

Try shopping at Tuesday Morning or TJ Max.  Dont buy all your pillows from the same grouping or the same place.

And never crowd your sofa or chair with too many pillows. It looks untidy and there is nowhere to place your bottom.  If you cant afford designer pillows make your own and fill with down inserts.  Ikea has great pillow inserts and fresh fun fabrics to use.  Raid your local dress fabric store for some fabulous finds and embellishments.

Pillows add life.

Are you connecting with the 5 senses in your homes? Set the stage for sensual delight with these easy tips:

Sight - have something stunning to catch the eye down the garden path to the door.  Ribbons in the wind,

outdoor art

Sound  birds,  a fountain,  a river of water, wind chimes, music piped outdoors to welcome guest inside

Bird baths to splash in, walls of water, bird houses - a host of them perched in the tree.

One of the sites that makes my heart sing for a plethoria of wonderful items and ideas for the garden

http://www.bigredsun.com/cd_portfolio/index.html

and then we are at the door

lets step in to repeat Sight  with something warm and welcoming and add touch , why not a beaded curtain ,

which includes sight touch sound - check out the amazing and affordable door curtains and other cool stuff  at Wild Things http://www.shopwildthings.com/

the next item is Smell. 

bring something into the space to welcome the nose.

A bunch of sweet smelling daffidols or gardenias floating in

a bowl.  Orange blossom, or a herb bouguet tied with a ribbon

Rosemary has a very refreshing scent . It energizes and heals.

Lavender in a pot or cut is a delight to the senses,

Lime leaves or some dried spices in an attractive display. Which pleases the eye and the senses.

Avoid dusty potpourri with curls of wood shavings and go for someting charming - create your own tussie mussies or pommander

this charming pommander is from Pollyfields http://www.pollyfields.co.uk  check out their site for incredible ideas for all things fragrant.  The have a delicious smelling orange and cinnamon circle for the door, and fabulous scenting and eye catching potpourri that will fill the senses.

The other smelly option is to use a room spray or candles. For summer be sure to use a light refreshing scent.

check out this amazing site  http://www.auntsadiesinc.com/   Aunt Sadie has a wonderful selection of candles like  greengrass   lemonade  applepie  for about $16.00 each. Makes a great  leave behind gift. a smell to remember.                      

So for indoor eye candy be sure to throw in a piece of art and some colorful pillows.

Create your own art if you cant afford to buy. Try the thrift shops for  incredible selection of  colorful and inexpensive choices. 

The local decorative shops like TJ max carry a host of  affordable artwork and pillows to sink your teeth into.

Lights add color and drama.  Music is a nice backdrop to live by. Set up speakers, so that you can have music whereever you go.  Compile a selection of music to fit different moods.

A unit that plays the sounds of nature is so enticing. I remember going into a ladies in a village in France. when you locked the door the sounds of birds singing started, there were island flowers covering the walls, a fountain and other elements that transported one so far from the mundane of peeing and public bathrooms (another subject entirely) that I can still evoke the feeling of being delighted in that room - now that was staging!

Be sure to incorporate texture in your fabrics choices to satisfy the feeler in us all. Touch is essential  Gossamer, silk linen and taffetta are all different parts of a summer mood.

When all the senses are engaged, life is sweeter.    Who doesnt love the scent of cookies baking or the delightful aroma of fresh cut grass ?

Which brings us to taste. The taste to be who you are with a soupcon of restrain.  When that fails I settle for a delicious bowl of cherries, CHOCOLATE or a luscious and bodacious cocktail on my patio with the fountain singing.........

Looking to make that summer table sparkle? Dinning al fresco is a true summer joy.

What could bring more fun to the table than adding a touch of pizazz

Bring out some fun candelabra or lights.these are Walmarts $24.99

Set the table with a fun table linen.  plastic or cloth, add flowers amd herbs in yogurt jars

Benches are fun in the outdoors or in your patio room and there is an array of cushions to choose from.

Large napkins in bright colors add to the mood. Check out the selection from Ballards, Target or the hardware store .

Pretty umbrellas abound.                                            Outdoor rugs can be added

Candles,  pretty plates and silverware. In plastic buckets or metal holders.  Plastic or colored glasses.

Napkins to match or stand alone.  A sweet fountain adds sound. Some flower / herb pots  & candles add scent.

Simple tasty food, fun fruity drinks to add the joy of entertaining.

Details that catch the eye and tantalize the nose.  Some good friends, a couple of games, sunshine or moonlight... life is sweet.

Staging the living room, entry and dinning room combo Sunnyvale, Calilfornia. The fireplace was stocked with toys and do not touch items on the mantel. It hardly appears to be a feature. More of a clutter area. Likewise the other side of the room, living room follows shape instead of creating a shape in the odd space.

There is only one wall in the living room, the one the fireplace is on. The hall is implied and the windows occupy the only other wall. The before looks dark and cramped.

The after really shows off the fireplace to advantage. We used the clients furniture but added our accessories package.  The living room has  more definition and punch, and the dinning room is more defined. The embroidered pillows were the clients own and the inspiration for the accesories. The dark rug was removed to accent the floors.  The agent was thrilled with the transformation. And the two kids love their new rooms.

all pictures are the exclusive property of Lift your Spirits Home Transformations and cannot be copied or printed without  the express permission of Lift Your Spirits Home Transformations.

Can do easy changes

1) Lift the rugs and keep the floors bare or change to grass or indoor outdoor mats.  Fabulous selections at big box or local hardware stores.

2)remove heavy drapes and just keep the sheers or lighten up with a sheer in a summer color - host of fabulous nets for a couple dollars a yard in every color of the rainbow in the dress fabric section.  Rattan blinds work too.

3) Buy or cover pillows in a matching light hearted print. and store the winter weights till the cold comes in.

4) Add some some plants or a tree with color and texture, change out the pots to match the mood - cover a simple pot in a painted motif to match the cushions or cover in the same fabric. Cut to fit or glue on. or use grass baskets.

5)Paint the front door a lively lavender or another summer color.  add a potted arrangement to pull the color of the house and the door together,  and to  give punch. or just paint the mailbox and knocker.

6) Place colorful doormats at all the outside doors, and add a bamboo screen, or a door curtain, to give privacy while letting in light and air.

7) Change out the lampshades for lighter brighter textures to invoke the summer mood.

8) Replace the heavy accesories to accent the summer feel using shells or buckets or string balls and marbles. Glass containers add light, mirrors reflect.

9) Change the art - family photographs at the beach,  shells or picnic scenes. Strawberries. Whatever brings sunlight and warmth to your heart, and echoes your theme.

10) Add summer scented candles, and glass jars with flowers from the garden, and lanterns you can hang indoors and outdoors.

Enjoy.

I love visiting my local Sunday market. The bustling energy of people shopping for food and flowers. Buying breakfast. The smell of good bread and croissants, chicken roasting, popcorn bursting, fresh flowers and fruit.

The samples, the music.  Its a joyous feeling, swinging my bag, looking at piles of delicious color, injesting aroma.

My mouth waters, but so does my vision.  How does nature do it? combine so many hues and textures, and make it all work together in a splendid array?  I am delighted by the choices- see the piles of exotic mushrooms how the colors go so well together, how each mushroom has so much richness and warmth of color. How the globes of asian pears seem to shimmer  with a touch of sunlight. I could sit in a room of that color all day.  And the glow of the buckets of flowers, the Irises with there range of color and the shades of blue to purple - did you know that IRIS blue is the color  for 2008?  Do you have your  IRIS blue item to brighten your day? How about those sweet pink and purple sweetpeas, how sweet they smell how  lovely they look.

Glance this way and see the beens and radishes piled high with artistic flair, and those quiches and breakfast buns that smell so tasty. See how long the line is, but we all wait patiently to buy the sweet & savory treats, the music rolls over , children are laughing, touching smelling. How luscious the orange slices, apricots &  peaches look, open and glistening - a dinning room in those colors  would invite  so many  warm moments so many delicious meals. There are so many amazing color combinations in natures bounty.  I cant wait to get home, eat my croissant with coffee, savor the sunshine and delicious tastes, and dream up another nature inspired color palette!  Color adds life, color your life happy, color a room bold or sweet. What will be your next color adventure? Why not visit your local market and discover the incredible richness of the color combinations.