tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26645048812183018192024-03-13T13:17:08.045-05:00Designing Your Dream HomeEvery question to ask, every detail to consider, and everything you need to know before you build or remodelSusan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-29676262967442543172010-03-20T22:07:00.001-05:002010-03-20T22:07:47.679-05:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday March 21, 2010<p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Batang"><font color="#000000"><font size="3" face="Tahoma">A friend of mine sent me this email forward last year.  Though it was written about a woman, I believe it also applies to men.</font> </font></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Who Am I?</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What makes me weak?   My fears.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What makes me whole?  My God.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What keeps me standing?  My faith.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What makes me compassionate? My selflessness.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What makes me honest? My integrity.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What sustains my mind?  My quest for knowledge.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What teaches me lessons?  My mistakes.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What lift’s my head high? My pride, not arrogance.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What it I can’t go on?  Not an option.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What makes me victorious? My courage to climb.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What makes me competent? My confidence.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What makes me sensual? My insatiable essence.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What makes me beautiful?  My everything.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What makes me a woman?  My heart.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Who says I need love? I do.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">What empowers me?  My God & Me. </font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Who am I? I am a proud strong woman! </font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Unknown</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Tahoma">As I read this I am reminded that with my faith in God and in myself I am truly a proud strong woman!  Blessings.  …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-84755837590649888052010-03-16T11:05:00.001-05:002010-03-16T11:05:53.088-05:00Refrigerator Door Series Part Three: Pairs of Refrigerator Doors<p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Welcome to my refrigerator door series. This series will consist of several posts showing options for the design of the refrigerator door. My first post of this series focused on hiding refrigerators in a kitchen followed by my second post on single door refrigerators. Click </font><a href="http://designingyourdreamhome.blogspot.com/2010/03/refrigerator-door-series-part-one.html"><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Tahoma">here</font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> and </font><a href="http://designingyourdreamhome.blogspot.com/2010/03/refrigerator-door-series-part-two.html"><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Tahoma">here</font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> to see those two posts.  </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">In this post, I will focus on pairs of refrigerator/freezer doors; some are side-by-side while others are separated; some have drawers below while others do not; some match the kitchen cabinets while others are totally different; one has a glass door while the other is a solid doors. Lots and lots of options are shown in the photos below. Enjoy!</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sHNo0_rI/AAAAAAAABo8/Zc_CfAeh4Rk/s1600-h/IMG_0034%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0034" border="0" alt="IMG_0034" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sHvRM7NI/AAAAAAAABpA/FJ6-dL5px2c/IMG_0034_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="466" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: The New Smart Approach to Kitchen Design by Susan Maney</font></p> <p> <font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^In the photo above, is a standard side by side refrigerator freezer. The door panels match the maple cabinets. I think the stainless handles and stainless ventilation piece at the bottom of this refrigerator actually work well because this kitchen has touches of stainless throughout.</font> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sIaWcioI/AAAAAAAABpE/RldQoOD38Mc/s1600-h/IMG_00174.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0017" border="0" alt="IMG_0017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sIx04L2I/AAAAAAAABpI/hUauHAt6f0k/IMG_0017_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="571" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Beautiful Kitchens Winter 2009</font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="3">^The refrigerators or refrigerator and freezer shown above with the bank of drawers between is a great look for the right kitchen. This one could have been used in my first post of this series- disappearing refrigerators. I must note that when I see a bank of drawers that tall, I wonder what does one put in the the top few drawers that are hard to reach?</font> </font></font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sJWG_N9I/AAAAAAAABpM/cNhedcvo90s/s1600-h/IMG_00294.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0029" border="0" alt="IMG_0029" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sJ8C3UbI/AAAAAAAABpQ/RUZcACQ3yHA/IMG_0029_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="715" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Kitchen Ideas That Work by Beth Veillette</font>  </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^The panels on these refrigerator doors shown above do not have drawers below but are designed to look like they are an upper and lower cabinet.</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sKroLeUI/AAAAAAAABpU/efc9qeVucds/s1600-h/IMG_00084.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0008" border="0" alt="IMG_0008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sLbS7MLI/AAAAAAAABpY/oZ9O4gQp5OI/IMG_0008_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="560" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Beautiful Kitchens Summer 2009</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^A double refrigerator door design that blends with the style of the kitchen- which has a lot going on. The upper cabinets are a different style and finish than the lower cabinets. The refrigerator is unique unto itself. There is wood panels on the upper walls and ceiling and some sort of stone or tile design for the backsplash. Again, I am not able to see the entire kitchen but judging from this one photo, it seems busy.</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sL5iORuI/AAAAAAAABpc/SzHxygrzqAk/s1600-h/IMG_00044.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0004" border="0" alt="IMG_0004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sMmPYPKI/AAAAAAAABpg/W4S7DO-UJjs/IMG_0004_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="532" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Beautiful Kitchens Winter 2009</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^The side-by-side refrigerator shown above somewhat disappears as if it is a piece of furniture. I love the thought of having such a wide refrigerator which takes a large kitchen to pull it off.</font> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sNOBD9II/AAAAAAAABpk/AHnj_MDXEOs/s1600-h/IMG_00124.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0012" border="0" alt="IMG_0012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sN9dBFQI/AAAAAAAABpo/YpeAjYAiY7Q/IMG_0012_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="532" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: <em>Great Kitchen Ideas</em> a book</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^The side-by-side refrigerator shown above is shorter than some others shown in this post which allows for the open shelf above. This is a good example of form over function. The design of the area above the refrigerator is quite handsome but in order to have this look one has to opt for a shorter refrigerator which means less storage room in the refrigerator. It is the preference of the homeowner who is building or remodeling. What would you choose?</font> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sOXwAxPI/AAAAAAAABps/mc3bQZtN0tA/s1600-h/IMG_00034.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0003" border="0" alt="IMG_0003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sPHIZ6NI/AAAAAAAABpw/HxznKvY72p0/IMG_0003_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="523" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source:  Beautiful Kitchens Magazine Spring 2010</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^When I turned the magazine page and saw this photo, I had to do a double take. This barn door design definitely makes the refrigerator the focus of the kitchen. What do you think about this one?</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sPmlKuvI/AAAAAAAABp0/_kSIlvwQ1SA/s1600-h/IMG_00058.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0005" border="0" alt="IMG_0005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sQIjycdI/AAAAAAAABp4/_3liUCbhZO4/IMG_0005_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="693" /></a></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Beautiful Kitchens Magazine Winter 2009</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^The side-by-side refrigerator shown above is narrow. They may both refrigerators with the freezer being in the four drawers below. Or they may be a refrigerator and a freezer. Another possibility is that this unit represents just refrigerators above and below and the freezer is located in laundry room or butler’s pantry.</font> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sRevVmfI/AAAAAAAABp8/4eHG9P9I44k/s1600-h/IMG_00198.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0019" border="0" alt="IMG_0019" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sSDKdlyI/AAAAAAAABqA/fouf-ss9zjM/IMG_0019_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="322" /></a></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: A New Smart Design Approach to Kitchen Design by Susan Marney</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^In the photo above, you will notice that not only is the refrigerator door that of a painted barn scene but so are the kitchen cabinets.</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sShrhZrI/AAAAAAAABqE/EJu3w8wRlh8/s1600-h/IMG_00138.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0013" border="0" alt="IMG_0013" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sTdLRRyI/AAAAAAAABqI/3zMe66VM_VA/IMG_0013_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="544" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Kitchen Ideas That Work by Beth Veillette</font>  </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^I assume the decision for this refrigerator to stick out from the wall unit instead of being flush is so that the door can fully open. Though cost is always a factor, I wish the sides of the refrigerator and the ventilation panel at the bottom that are showing were less obvious. I also think adding hardware to the refrigerator would have been an aesthetic plus.</font> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sT9KrIII/AAAAAAAABqM/vGuicO7mhZk/s1600-h/IMG_00184.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0018" border="0" alt="IMG_0018" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sUocpOVI/AAAAAAAABqQ/u8_UxG7fBuE/IMG_0018_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="554" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Beautiful Kitchens 2006</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^Above is a handsome wall unit that holds either two refrigerators or a refrigerator and a freezer.</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sVeH4b8I/AAAAAAAABqU/L9iF6YfOr_I/s1600-h/IMG_00339.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0033" border="0" alt="IMG_0033" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sV4hIUjI/AAAAAAAABqY/rkDsO6Phg3c/IMG_0033_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="346" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Liebherr Advertisement, magazine unknown</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^For a more contemporary look, the side-by-side refrigerator and freezer in stainless works well in this kitchen.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sWYStDMI/AAAAAAAABqc/x6CGu9Ivg28/s1600-h/IMG_00308.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0030" border="0" alt="IMG_0030" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sWzf467I/AAAAAAAABqg/viDJ8Aq17FU/IMG_0030_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="523" /></a></p> <p></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Kitchens Book by Chris Casson Madden</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^In the kitchen above, the homeowner opted for a more commercial/professional looking kitchen with their choice of refrigeration units.</font> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sXSgddBI/AAAAAAAABqk/utbutq4jTO4/s1600-h/IMG_00514.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0051" border="0" alt="IMG_0051" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5-sXyHY2bI/AAAAAAAABqo/rb_71yQQSbQ/IMG_0051_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="523" /></a> l</p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Kitchen Ideas That Work by Beth Veillette</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^Having a glass door on a refrigerator is a cool look, especially this one that has been styled with lots of white items. I am not so sure I would want to see inside my refrigerator on a daily basis. What about you?</font> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Blessings.  …susan</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">PS Please come back for the 4th post of my series.</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-51113787123190046272010-03-13T19:19:00.001-06:002010-03-13T19:19:07.335-06:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday March 14, 2010<p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Welcome to my inspirational & spiritual Sunday post.  For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">My post today comes from a book marker I received a few years ago. Although the message on the bookmark was intended for those attending Al Anon- which by the way is the sister organization to AA (alcoholics anonymous), the message is one that can be applied by all as a healthy way to live life.  In case you have not heard of  Al Anon, it  is for people who have been affected by another person’s drinking. The other person could be a spouse, child, sister, brother, parent, friend, or boss. Like AA, Al Anon meetings can be found in many towns and cities throughout the U.S. and around the world.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Just For Today</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Just for today I will live through this day only, and not set far-reaching goals to try to overcome all of my problems at once. I know I can do something for 24 hours that would appall me if I thought I had to keep it up for a lifetime. <font color="#000000">Isn’t life about living in the moment? I know I have been guilty of not enjoying the present because I was too preoccupied with something in the future. Often that something I worried about never came to pass.</font> </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Just for today I will be happy. Abraham Lincoln said, “Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” He was right. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. I will chase them out of my mind and replace them with happy thoughts. <font color="#000000">Bottom line- we can control what we think. It may take effort, but we can do it.</font> </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Just for today I will adjust myself to what is. I will face reality.  I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those things I cannot correct.  This one makes me think of the Serenity Prayer: <font color="#000000">“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”</font></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Just for today I will improve my mind. I will not be a mental loafer. I will force myself to read something that requires effort, thought, and concentration. <font color="#000000">Just like our bodies needing a work out, so do our minds.</font></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Just for today I will do something positive to improve my health. If I’m a smoker, I’ll make an honest effort to quit. It I’m overweight, I’ll eat nothing I know to be fattening. And I will force myself to exercise- even if it’s only walking around the block or using the stairs instead of the elevator.<font color="#000000"> I would add parking further out in a parking lot.</font> <font color="#000000">It begins with desire, then taking action towards that desire no matter how small the steps-then repeating that action over and over until it becomes a part of your daily routine. Another tip is each day to consciously say no to something that is not healthy and yes to  something that is healthy.</font> </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Just for today I’ll do something I’ve been putting off for a long time.  I’ll finally write that letter, make that phone call, clean that closet, or straighten out those dresser drawers. <font color="#000000">It is amazing how good it feels to do something you have put off for a long time. And the bonus- you get to scratch it off your “to do” list!</font> </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Just for today before I speak I will ask myself, “Is it true? Is it kind? and if the answer to either of those questions is negative I won’t say it. <font color="#000000">What a great way to live life!</font></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Just for today I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable.  I will look as good as I can, dress becomingly, talk softly, act courteously, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today I’ll not try to improve anybody except myself.  <font color="#000000">This one is all about keeping your side of the street clean and letting others clean their side. Stay out of other people’s business unless they ask for your help. </font></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it, thereby saving myself from two pests: hurry and indecision. <font color="#000000">You can create an exercise program, a nutrition program, a mind stimulating program or just follow the words on this bookmark. You can add, edit, or delete what is written and personalize it for you. The object is to live life in a healthier way.</font> </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Tahoma">Just for today I will gather the courage to do what is right and take the responsibility for my own actions.<font color="#000000"> Let go of someone else’s actions. You are only responsible for your own. However, you are responsible for how you allow another person’s actions to affect you. Be responsible, have integrity, and be honest</font>. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">I would love to hear from you in a comment. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Blessings. …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-87989083411599629592010-03-11T11:27:00.001-06:002010-03-11T11:27:34.906-06:00Refrigerator Door Series Part Two: Matching Single Door Refrigerators Panels with the Kitchen Cabinets<p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Welcome to my refrigerator door series. This series will consist of several posts showing options for the design of the refrigerator door. </font><font color="#000000"><font size="3"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#333333">My</font> first post of this series focused on hiding refrigerators in a kitchen. Click </font></font><a href="http://designingyourdreamhome.blogspot.com/2010/03/refrigerator-door-series-part-one.html"><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Tahoma">here</font></a><font size="3" face="Tahoma"> to see it. </font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000"><font size="3" face="Tahoma">This post will focus on matching single refrigerator door panels with the cabinet style and cabinet hardware. Depending on the style of the kitchen, I usually like having a refrigerator door panel that matches the cabinets as shown below. What about you? </font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Scroll on down for ideas and inspiration!  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn6IQWXiI/AAAAAAAABnk/kPPZV-y9m8w/s1600-h/IMG_00024.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0002" border="0" alt="IMG_0002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn6brK6KI/AAAAAAAABno/ZDIMouJq6YM/IMG_0002_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="511" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Unknown. If you will contact me, I will note it.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^Imagine how different this kitchen would look if the refrigerator door did not match the cabinets.  A stainless refrigerator would totally change the look of this kitchen.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn626QB7I/AAAAAAAABns/kJ9Jm44lDN0/s1600-h/IMG_00015.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0001" border="0" alt="IMG_0001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn7Fd8mjI/AAAAAAAABn0/BO8HbnRyvmU/IMG_0001_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="468" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="2">Source: Trend Magazine  Kitchen Issue Volume 25, No. 10</font> </font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^Perhaps it is the angle of the photograph but doesn’t the refrigerator above sure looks extra wide? Do you think the lower door actually swings open or does it pull out like a drawer?</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn7TC-kOI/AAAAAAAABn4/c2Nj2nKsRq0/s1600-h/IMG_00144.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0014" border="0" alt="IMG_0014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn7hEGE_I/AAAAAAAABn8/ennCXlr6fXs/IMG_0014_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="478" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="2">Source: <em>Kitchen Ideas That Work</em> a book by Beth Veillette</font>  </font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^The black hardware on this refrigerator door as well as on the cabinets is a great accessory to this bead board look. I like the appearance of having four drawers below the single door  though there are only two drawers. I do not have a photo of the entire layout of this kitchen but it seems to me that the door handle on this refrigerator should be on the right giving you a counter to place items you have taken out of the refrigerator or plan to put in. Though there is one problem with the door handle being on the right which would be the short wall to the left. It would prevent the door from opening more than 90 degrees. A refrigerator door needs to be able to swing open more than 90 degrees in order to clear the door shelves when removing the drawers and shelves. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn8B5wdeI/AAAAAAAABoA/PB2f6fhPTkA/s1600-h/IMG_00314.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0031" border="0" alt="IMG_0031" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn82oTvHI/AAAAAAAABoE/v_mt44bUNf8/IMG_0031_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="475" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source:<em> The New Smart Approach to Kitchen Design</em> a book by Susan Maney</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^Another example of the beadboard look is shown above. The island in this photo blocks the view of the entire refrigerator. I wonder if there is a drawer at the bottom of this refrigerator or if the door goes top to bottom?  What do you think? </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn9Q9lleI/AAAAAAAABoI/SE3I2DC1W48/s1600-h/IMG_00324.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0032" border="0" alt="IMG_0032" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn9obQLZI/AAAAAAAABoM/N6R_Bscz568/IMG_0032_thumb21.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="529" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="2">Source: <em>Great Kitchen Ideas</em> a book</font>  </font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^I like how the painted panel on this refrigerator matches the kitchen cabinets. However, I wish the cabinet hardware would have been used on the refrigerator.  What do you think? </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn-LyCzHI/AAAAAAAABoQ/6hEnX8SxxdU/s1600-h/IMG_00034.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0003" border="0" alt="IMG_0003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn-bpU0hI/AAAAAAAABoU/2XvNcK1ncXc/IMG_0003_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="520" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Beautiful Kitchens Magazine Winter 2009</font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="3">^I like how this refrigerator tucks in next to the brick wall. The panels are a great compliment to the kitchen cabinets.</font> </font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn_JhWfgI/AAAAAAAABoY/8C73OrjsuSg/s1600-h/IMG_00154.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0015" border="0" alt="IMG_0015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn_f2MOjI/AAAAAAAABoc/tx7p6m0qrng/IMG_0015_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="390" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="2">Source: <em>Kitchen Ideas That Work</em> a book by Beth Veillette</font>  </font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^Above is an attractive kitchen wall unit with the refrigerator blending right in. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn_nEkSqI/AAAAAAAABog/18QeZc2uF34/s1600-h/IMG_00504.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0050" border="0" alt="IMG_0050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5kn_7gBrsI/AAAAAAAABok/f_gSt-wc25Q/IMG_0050_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="699" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: <em>Kitchen Ideas That Work</em> a book by Beth Veillette</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^One thing that struck me in the photo above was the use of three different hardware styles. The drawers differed from the cabinet doors and the refrigerator door was yet a third style.  I feel the refrigerator door hardware is a bit small and would not be all that comfortable gripping.  What do you think?</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5koAaJAy_I/AAAAAAAABoo/EtkMTEGrqjc/s1600-h/IMG_00524.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0052" border="0" alt="IMG_0052" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5koApIY_vI/AAAAAAAABos/REF3q2ms8QA/IMG_0052_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="800" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="2">Source:</font> <font size="2">House Beautiful Magazine March 2010</font></font></font></font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="3">^Yet another beadboard style panel. I especially like the matching hardware with the refrigerator hardware being appropriately a larger size than the cabinet hardware.</font> </font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5koA1O85lI/AAAAAAAABow/n8nY6zTiecI/s1600-h/IMG_0004%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0004" border="0" alt="IMG_0004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S5koBVxSq6I/AAAAAAAABo0/Ma5gTVuFtFE/IMG_0004_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="551" /></a> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Beautiful Kitchens Magazine Spring 2010</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^I ran across this magazine photo yesterday. It would have fit nicely in the first post of this series due to the refrigerator being hidden or disappearing.  I wanted to share it with you so I added it here.  </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Without actually seeing the entire kitchen, what I do see in this magazine photo is a bit busy. You have upper cabinet doors lined with a print fabric. The cabinet drawers are a different color than the lower cabinet doors. There is natural wood that has been stained behind the open shelves. The island is a distressed black painted finish. The floor is natural stone pieces that vary. There is something on the other side of the island that appears to be a natural stained wood.  On top of all of that, you have distressed wooden beams in the ceiling. What do you think?</font></p> <p><font color="#000000"><font size="3" face="Tahoma">Blessings. …susan</font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">PS My next  post in this series will feature double refrigerator doors. Do check back. </font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-25029455840826061632010-03-06T20:27:00.001-06:002010-03-06T20:27:48.369-06:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday March 7, 2010<p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Verdana">Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Verdana">Two of my friends are in the midst of a divorce. One married less than ten years and the other more than twenty-five. As I was looking for inspirational and spiritual material to pass on to them, I ran across what I am sharing today. I don’t know who gave it to me. The page has yellowed which indicates I have had it for quite some time. After I read the entire passage, I like to go back and read each paragraph one at a time and ponder it. I try to think of different scenarios in life where it might apply. I hope something speaks to you.   Enjoy!</font>  </p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Verdana">You Learn…</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Verdana">After awhile you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul, and you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t always mean security. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Verdana">You begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises, and you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead, with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Verdana">And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Verdana">And futures have a way of falling down in midflight.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Verdana">After awhile you learn that even sunshine burns if you ask for too much. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Verdana">So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead  of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Verdana">And you learn that you really can endure, that you really are strong, and you really do have worth. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Verdana">You learn…with each goodbye…you learn.    Unknown</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Verdana">Blessings.  …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-31759777872895919672010-03-01T07:49:00.001-06:002010-03-01T07:49:04.801-06:00Refrigerator Door Series Part One: Disappearing Refrigerators<p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Welcome to my refrigerator series. This series will consist of several posts showing options for the kitchen door design and the placement of refrigerators in a kitchen. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Part One- Disappearing Refrigerators</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Depending on the style of your kitchen and your personal taste regarding the look of a refrigerator, you have the option of making it appear to disappear. Today’s design and the cabinet maker’s work in creating niches for kitchen refrigerators amazes me. I am a huge fan of  master carpenters and what they create. As you will see in the photos below, refrigerators really can disappear.  Enjoy! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFdNo9_rI/AAAAAAAABms/hdupO8ff2-0/s1600-h/IMG_00106.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0010" border="0" alt="IMG_0010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFfnBJCAI/AAAAAAAABmw/T1_zUmn49XQ/IMG_0010_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="503" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: <em>Kitchens</em> a book by Chris Casson Madden</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^As I look at the photo above, my first inclination is that I would expect to find a pantry or broom closet behind the doors.  I certainly did not think there would be a side-by-side refrigerator behind the cabinet doors as shown below.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFhwpJTbI/AAAAAAAABm0/dS8ot_pWWUE/s1600-h/IMG_00114.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0011" border="0" alt="IMG_0011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFkOv-PMI/AAAAAAAABm4/7rMhnMEb2vk/IMG_0011_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="482" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: <em>Kitchens</em> a book by Chris Casson Madden</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFnJU-B5I/AAAAAAAABm8/yQsYvbSRk4M/s1600-h/IMG_00074.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0007" border="0" alt="IMG_0007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFpFGaKTI/AAAAAAAABnA/h8kXatJRZ7U/IMG_0007_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="405" /></font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Beautiful Kitchens Magazine Winter 2009</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^The words on the magazine page above states, “Hide and Chic” which appropriately describes this refrigerator door and drawers. I find this to be an incredible design for hiding a side-by-side refrigerator. What do you think? Isn’t the design covering the refrigerator drawers really cool ! The design also allows for ventilation at the bottom. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFreY7GVI/AAAAAAAABnE/Fiuw_bPaJzc/s1600-h/IMG_00165.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0016" border="0" alt="IMG_0016" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFt7n6l_I/AAAAAAAABnI/cTHlBPyeMhk/IMG_0016_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="590" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Beautiful Kitchens Magazine Winter 2009</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^At first glance, what appears to be an armoire that most likely has a TV inside is actually a side-by-side refrigerator with drawers below. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFv1kt4RI/AAAAAAAABnM/q6f8MpqktEg/s1600-h/IMG_00244.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0024" border="0" alt="IMG_0024" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFwo8L-4I/AAAAAAAABnQ/QKmOkhTLkHE/IMG_0024_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="535" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Beautiful Kitchens Magazine Winter 2009</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^Who would have thought behind these mirrored cabinet doors you would find a refrigerator and a freezer with refrigerator drawers below?</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFxYlCRUI/AAAAAAAABnU/TtSIuSfraXs/s1600-h/IMG_00214.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0021" border="0" alt="IMG_0021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFyJ5MIYI/AAAAAAAABnY/N6gaHgpsXm0/IMG_0021_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="301" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Veranda Magazine October 2008</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">The refrigerators and refrigerator drawers that flank the cooking area above blend with the cabinets. I like the big beam running above the refrigerators and stove. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFy5Lo8LI/AAAAAAAABnc/sGI8G5cYC5k/s1600-h/IMG_00234.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0023" border="0" alt="IMG_0023" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4vFzjE4l6I/AAAAAAAABng/PT76f1X-F98/IMG_0023_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="526" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">  </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2" face="Tahoma">Source: Beautiful Kitchens Magazine Winter 2009 </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">^To the far right of the kitchen sink is a side-by-side refrigerator designed to look like a piece of furniture. The height of the ceiling allows for a pair of cabinet doors and an open shelf above. I find the the pair of china cabinets flanking the sink counter area very attractive. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Tahoma">Part Two of this series will show different designs for single refrigerator doors. Please check back.  Blessings.  …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-18128631000778258592010-02-28T00:42:00.001-06:002010-02-28T00:42:15.379-06:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday February 28, 2010<p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Verdana">Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Verdana">Much to my delight, I recently ran across the email forward I am sharing in this post. It is one I received many years ago. Although quite comical to read it is a reminder of the differences between men and women which often results in miscommunication. As we all know, miscommunication can sometimes result in terrible consequences. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Verdana">For the women reading this, I hope it will be a reminder to you to stop the “stinkin thinkin” you might do in your own mind. Just talk. For the men reading this, I hope this will give you some insight into what can happen when there is no communication. Say what you mean, mean what you say and don’t say it mean.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">The Difference Between Men and Women…</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">Let’s say a guy named William is attracted to a woman named Julie. He asks her out to a movie; she accepts; they have a pretty good time. A few nights later he asked her out to dinner, and again they enjoy themselves. They continue to see each other regularly and after awhile neither one is seeing anybody else. And then, one evening when they’re driving home, a thought occurs to Julie and without really thinking, she says out loud: “Do you realize that as of tonight, we’ve been seeing each other exactly for six months?”</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">And then there is silence in the car.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">To Julie, it seems like a very loud silence. She thinks to herself: “Geez, I wonder if it bothers him that I said that. Maybe he’s been feeling confined by our relationship; maybe he thinks I’m trying to push into some kind of commitment that he doesn’t want, or isn’t sure of it. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">And William is thinking: Gosh, six months.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">And Julie is thinking: But hey, I’m not sure I want this kind of relationship either. Sometimes I wish I had a little more space so I’d have time to think about whether I really want to us to keep going the way we are, moving steadily toward…I mean, where are we going? Are we just going to keep seeing each other at this level of intimacy? Are we heading toward marriage? Toward children? Do I really know this person? </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">And William is thinking: …so that means it was… let’s see… February when we started going out, which was right after I had the car at the dealer’s which means…lemme check the odometer…whoa! I am overdue for an oil change here. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">And Julie is thinking: He’s upset. I can see it on his face. Maybe I ‘m reading this completely wrong. Maybe he wants more from our relationship, more intimacy, more commitment, maybe he has sensed-even before I sense it-that I was feeling some reservations. Yes, I bet that’s it. That’s why he’s so reluctant to say anything about his own feelings. He’s afraid of being rejected. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">And William is thinking: And I’m gonna have them look at the transmission again. I don’t care what those morons say, it’s still not shifting right. And they better not try to blame it on the cold weather this time. What cold weather? It’s 87 degrees out, and this thing is shifting like a garbage truck, and I paid those incompetent thieves $600. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">And Julie is thinking: He’s angry. And I don’t blame him. I’d be angry, too. I feel so guilty, putting him through this, but I can’t help the way I feel. I’m just not sure. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">And William is thinking: They’ll probably say it’s only a 90-day warranty…scumballs. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">And Julie is thinking: Maybe I’m just too idealistic, waiting for a knight to come riding up on his white horse, when  I’m sitting next to a perfectly good person, a person I enjoy being with, a person I truly do care about, a person who seems truly to care about me. A person who is in pain because of my self-centered, schoolgirl romantic fantasy.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">And William is thinking:  Warranty? They want a warranty? I’ll give them a warranty. I’ll take their warranty and ….</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“William,” Julie says out loud. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“What?” says William, startled.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“Please don’t torture yourself like this,” says Julie, her eyes beginning to brim with tears. “Maybe I should never have… Oh God, I feel so…” as she begins to sob. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“What?” says William.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“I am such a fool,” Julie sobs. “I mean, I know there’s no knight. I really know that. It’s silly. There’s no knight, and there’s no horse.”</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“There’s no horse?” says William, wondering what she means.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“You think I’m a fool don’t you? Julie says.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“No!” says William, glad to finally know the correct answer.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“It’s just that… it’s that I… I need some time,” Julie says.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">(There is a 15-second pause while William, thinking as fast as he can, tries to come up with a safe response. Finally, he comes up with one that he thinks might work.) “Yes,” he says. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">(Julie, deeply moved, touches his hand.) “Oh William, do you really feel that way?” she says. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“What way?” says William.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“That way about time,” says Julie.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">“Oh,” says William,. “Yes.”</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">(Julie turns to face him and gazes deeply into his eyes, causing him to  become very nervous about what she might say next, especially if it involves a white horse. At last she speaks.)  “Thank you, William,” she says.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">Then, he takes her home and she lies on her bed, a conflicted, tortured soul and weeps until dawn whereas when William gets back to his place, he opens a bag of Doritos, turns on the TV and immediately becomes deeply involved in a rerun of a tennis match. A tiny voice in the far recesses of his mind tells him that something major was going on back there in the car but he is pretty sure there is no way he would ever understand what so he figures he is better off if he doesn’t even think about it.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">The next day Julie will call her closest friend, or perhaps two of them, and they will talk about this situation for six straight hours in painstaking detail. They will analyze everything she said and everything he said, going over it time and time again, exploring every word, and possible ramification.  They will continue to discuss this subject, off and on, for weeks and maybe even months never reaching any definite conclusions, but never getting bored with it either. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">Meanwhile, William, while playing racquetball one day with a mutual friend of his and Julie’s, will pause just before serving, frown, and say: “Norm, did Julie ever own a horse?”   <font size="2">Source Unknown</font></font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Verdana">And, that is the difference between men and women. </font><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Verdana">  Blessings!  …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-71294475784287892862010-02-23T09:02:00.001-06:002010-02-23T12:37:46.448-06:00Doorway Transoms-Interior and Exterior<p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Georgia">Whether they are part of an exterior doorway or used in an interior doorway, doorway transoms can be used both functionally and aesthetically.  The beauty of doorway transoms is that they can be custom made giving you a plethora of choices when designing a new home or doing a remodel. You can customize the height and width to fit the scale of the room. You can have an elaborate or simple design. Wood, iron, glass, barbed-wire, and metal are just a few of the choices of material that can be used. The material can be used singularly in a doorway that is the traditional depth. However, if your doorway is deep, you can mirror the material at each end of the doorway opening. Transoms can be used with or without glass and they can also be used in a  passage way without even hanging a door. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Georgia">Functionally, they can be used as a light source.  An exterior doorway transoms bring light in from the outside while an interior doorway transom allows light to pass between two rooms. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Georgia">Aesthetically, they add  height to a doorway giving the illusion that the door is taller. If you are building a home and on a tight budget this can be cheaper than paying for taller custom doors. Or, if you are remodeling and want to reuse the original doors but want more doorway height, this could be your solution.  A doorway with a transom will enhance the height of a room.  Additionally, you can use a doorway transom as a design element in your home. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Georgia">The photos below provide different designs and uses for both interior and exterior transoms. Enjoy!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuAW-ksyI/AAAAAAAABls/htXX12y-qsw/s1600-h/IMG_00074.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0007" border="0" alt="IMG_0007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuBMgCN9I/AAAAAAAABlw/cPQhUXq3MCg/IMG_0007_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="520" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia">  </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="1" face="Georgia">Source: Great Kitchen Ideas Book</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia">^<font size="3">The photo above is a good example showing how a transom in a doorway adds height to a room especially with the large piece of artwork and the cabinet height. This doorway transom also serves as a light source between rooms bringing the deep color of the living room into the kitchen. I think the simple design element works well.</font> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuBiscbJI/AAAAAAAABl0/1fbSgzlcC-s/s1600-h/IMG_00044.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0004" border="0" alt="IMG_0004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuBxsJ8II/AAAAAAAABl4/s_-qbnZduKw/IMG_0004_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="557" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="1" face="Georgia">Source: November/December 2009- If you know the magazine, please contact me and I will note it.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia">^<font size="3">Although the photo above shows an interior doorway transom, it certainly cannot compete with the pair of Christmas floral design elements and the vases. I wish I could see the entire room and more detail of the pair of coffee tables. Back to the transom, I like how the height of the curtain rod relates to the transom.</font> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuCUXP-sI/AAAAAAAABl8/I1DKZOkCCZA/s1600-h/IMG_00014.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0001" border="0" alt="IMG_0001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuC7npF0I/AAAAAAAABmA/3pES-H9HSCw/IMG_0001_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="526" /></font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="1" face="Georgia">Source: Veranda Magazine September 2007</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia">^<font size="3">Above is a photo of an arched interior doorway transom with a Spanish wrought-iron design which I feel enhances the interior design of this home.</font> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuDY3KX_I/AAAAAAAABmE/X3RdLfVWMEw/s1600-h/IMG_00024.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0002" border="0" alt="IMG_0002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuDpF6ebI/AAAAAAAABmI/Euie16MtA4c/IMG_0002_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="517" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="1" face="Georgia">Source: Traditional Home Magazine July 2008</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia">^This interior transom is used in the opening between two vanity areas in a bathroom without using a door (note reflection in mirror showing another vanity).  Though seeing the toilet, maybe there is a pocket door. It makes a strong decorative statement in both design and color. I do like how the transom design is reflected in each mirror. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuEg-A4CI/AAAAAAAABmM/WiDt--Lq_0s/s1600-h/IMG124.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG12" border="0" alt="IMG12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuEzgCyCI/AAAAAAAABmQ/qfRaWvJmi1o/IMG12_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="541" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="1" face="Georgia">Source: Architectural Digest date unknown. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia">^<font size="3">Though the photo above has far too many design elements going on for my taste, I do like the iron design of the interior doorway transom.  There also appears to be a door transom above the front door though it is blocked from view in this photo by the chandelier.</font>  </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"> </font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuFRqTThI/AAAAAAAABmU/LMt3LmGPEfk/s1600-h/IMG_0005%5B4%5D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0005" border="0" alt="IMG_0005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuFkrG4QI/AAAAAAAABmY/1BWtbIuDqio/IMG_0005_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="529" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"> </font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Georgia"><font color="#000000"> <font size="1">Source: Elegant Home magazine, date unknown.</font></font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia">^<font size="3">In the photo above is an example of a wider interior transom that has used a modified spider web design to make an elegant design statement in this foyer.</font> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuGK2NQVI/AAAAAAAABmc/PF3KNNNBxGU/s1600-h/IMG4.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG" border="0" alt="IMG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuGWdI59I/AAAAAAAABmg/uWIpJpzBvYg/IMG_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="541" /></font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="1" face="Georgia">Source: Unknown. If you know the source, please contact me and I will note it.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Georgia"><font color="#000000">^<font size="3">Using an hour glass design to create a design element, this exterior transom also allows light to filter in from what appears to be a porch.  Put your finger over the transom and imagine the room without the transom. Don’t you think it is an excellent example of a transom giving height to a door in a room with a tall ceiling?</font></font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia">  </font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuG3_EGCI/AAAAAAAABmk/a8JdLdebUr4/s1600-h/IMG_00035.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0003" border="0" alt="IMG_0003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S4PuHWHhAYI/AAAAAAAABmo/RRRw6vhqr1g/IMG_0003_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="519" /></font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="1" face="Georgia">Source: Traditional Home Holiday 2009</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Georgia"></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Georgia"><font color="#000000">^<font size="3">Above is yet another example of door transoms adding a design statement, creating door height and being a light source. Doesn’t the transom height create a perfect area for the artwork? Imagine how different and less pleasing the artwork would look if it were taller than the doors.</font></font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Georgia">It is my hope with this post that somehow I have positively touched your design process. Please share your thoughts with me in a comment. Blessings. …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-28388242449761090802010-02-21T20:36:00.001-06:002010-02-21T20:36:33.154-06:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday February 21, 2010<p><font size="4" face="Verdana">Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Verdana">As I was searching through my drawer full of spiritual & inspirational material, I ran across an email forward I received from a friend dated 06/05/02.  Enjoy! </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">Life Lessons From The Dalai Lama-Lessons for Life in the New Millennium</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">3. Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, respect for others, responsibility for all your actions.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">6. Don’ let a little dispute injure a great friendship.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">8. Spend some time alone everyday.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">11. Live a good, honorable life. Then, when you get older and think back you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">12. A loving atmosphere in your homes is the foundation for your life. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">14. Don’t bring up the past.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">15. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">16. Be gentle with the earth.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">17. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">18. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Verdana">19. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">20. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.</font> </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Verdana">Blessings.  …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-22057272131231634042010-02-15T22:27:00.001-06:002010-02-15T22:27:55.278-06:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday February 14, 2010<p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Verdana">Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Verdana">Though a day late, I have chosen to share the contents of an email I recently received from a friend. Isn’t this a wonderful list of basic commands to follow! For me, this list is a great reminder to have faith. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Verdana">BTW:  I wanted to share something exciting with you- that being that my cousin is the lone female astronaut on the International Space Station. Her name is Kay Hire. She was on the Space Shuttle Endeavor which was launched into space last Monday. You can go to </font><a href="http://www.nasa.gov"><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Verdana">www.nasa.gov</font></a><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#000000"> and click on nasa tv and depending on the time of day you can watch the astronauts working. A very basic description of their mission is to take another “room” to the ISS and attach it. All of the space shuttles will be retired by the end of the year leaving only four more flights to go.</font>   <font color="#000000">Blessings. …susan</font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">                                You Shall <br />You shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities. <br /></font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">You shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass. <br /></font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">You shall not carry grudges, for they are the heaviest of all life's burdens. <br /></font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">You shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway. <br /></font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">You shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows. <br /></font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">You shall not borrow other people's problems. They can better care for them <br />than you. <br /></font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">You shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. <br /></font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now! <br /></font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">You shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own. <br /></font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">You shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action. <br /></font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">You shall count your blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot <br />of small blessings add up to a big one. <br /></font></font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"><font color="#0000ff">-- Author Unknown</font> </font></font><font size="4"><font face="Verdana"> <br /></font></font><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Verdana"><>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <br /><font size="3">The disclaimer below came with this email.</font>  </font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Verdana">LEGAL STUFF: E-Mail Ministry and its sponsor run this message as submitted and do not claim to own any copyright privileges on it. The work was submitted to us as an item for distribution, and it was posted solely on the basis of its quality. It is the belief of E-Mail Ministry and its sponsors that this message is in the common domain.</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-54504800815288077552010-01-30T19:54:00.001-06:002010-01-31T08:38:29.293-06:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday January 30, 2010<p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Tahoma">Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Tahoma">One of my all time favorite Christmas gifts was a book given to me this past Christmas by my son’s family titled <em>Interior Wisdom</em> by Leah Richardson. Because of the shape, size, and weight of the gift it was obvious I had received a book. Oh how I love books! With great anticipation, I unwrapped my gift to find a lovely design book. On the cover was a beautiful dining room which begged me to look inside.</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S2Ti6XhTnuI/AAAAAAAABlg/tlSQ74tr_xM/s1600-h/IMG%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG" border="0" alt="IMG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/S2Ti6sTO5mI/AAAAAAAABlk/2cpctoY_jDc/IMG_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="470" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Tahoma">As I thumbed through the pages I saw many photos of interiors and interior design elements. Then, I noticed the scripture. <font color="#0000ff">“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.</font> <font color="#0000ff">“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Proverb 3:4-5</font>  As I began reading the scripture, I noticed there were also inspirational words. I flipped back to the book jacket to read the overview of the book. “…she shares the ways her spiritual walk influences her design, offers beloved verses that have inspired her work and includes a centering prayer (she has a prayer at the beginning of each chapter which is titled “Pray with me…”) to help the reader understand how important it is to include God’s wisdom in the design of our homes and our hearts.” (I love that she included the word hearts).  I pause for a moment and think to myself, “gosh this book is right up my alley!”</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Tahoma">Next I turned a few pages to read about the author. In “A Note from Leah,” she shares her journey which began when she was feeling devastated after being fired from her job in corporate America. This led her back to school to pursue a degree in Interior Design. At the time of her firing, Leah did not realize it was God’s sovereign hand at work. Though in the years to come, it became very clear which she explains in <em>Interior Wisdom</em>. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Tahoma">Reading her book jacket, I learned that besides her interior design business, Leah also lectures with Leah Richardson Ministries. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Tahoma">Two of my favorite scriptures in her book- <font color="#0000ff">Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”</font> <font color="#0000ff"> Hebrews 3:4 “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” </font>Don’t you think these are both so appropriate for anyone designing and building of a home! </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Tahoma">One of my favorite quotes is <font color="#0000ff">“Excess encumbers our life more than enhancing it.”</font> </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Tahoma">Blessings.  …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-48402024998849450602010-01-17T09:01:00.001-06:002010-01-17T09:01:55.789-06:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday January 17, 2010<p><font face="Batang" color="#000000" size="4">Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.</font></p> <p><font face="Batang" color="#000000" size="4">Better health by losing weight, diet, and exercise seems to be a common new year’s resolution.  Blessings.  …susan</font></p> <p><font face="Batang" color="#0000ff" size="4">“You are what you eat.” Gillian McKeith</font></p> <p><font face="Batang" color="#0000ff" size="4">There are a lot of things in life I cannot control but I can control what I put in my mouth. Unknown</font></p> <p><font face="Batang" color="#0000ff" size="4">“If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself. “ Groucho Marx</font></p> <p><font face="Batang" color="#0000ff" size="4">“I am saving that rocker for the day when I feel as old as I really am. “Eisenhower</font></p> <p><font face="Batang" color="#0000ff" size="4">You stomach shouldn’t be a waist basket. Unknown</font></p> <p><font face="Batang" color="#0000ff" size="4">A moment on the lips is a lifetime on the hips. Unknown</font></p> <p><font face="Batang" color="#0000ff" size="4">“Our bodies are our gardens-our wills are our gardeners.”  William Shakespeare</font></p> <p><font face="Batang" color="#0000ff" size="4">“No matter who you are, no matter what you do, you absolutely, positively do have the power to change.” Bill Phillips</font></p> <p><font face="Batang" color="#000000" size="4">God Bless the people of Haiti!</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-38590678302636059112010-01-10T11:18:00.001-06:002010-01-10T11:18:16.978-06:00I will be back soon!<p><font color="#000000" size="4">Hi! Wishing you a belated Merry Christmas and a belated Happy New Year!  My intentions were to continue publishing posts on my blog throughout Christmas and New Year’s.  However, traveling, spending time with my grandbabies, a couple of new projects needing my attention, and dealing with this bitter cold interrupted those intentions. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4">This coming week is packed full of demands on my time. I am hopeful I will have a Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post ready next Sunday and I will be back to my design posts next week.  </font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="4">May you be filled with blessings in 2010 and beyond!  …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-19339858676123639192009-12-13T19:18:00.001-06:002009-12-13T19:18:14.549-06:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday December 13, 2009<p><font face="Georgia" color="#000000" size="4">Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">Memo From God</font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">…I already gave you the Ten Commandments. Keep them. But follow these guidelines, also.  </font></p> <blockquote> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">1. Quit Worrying          Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?</font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">2. Put It On The List            Something needs to be done or taken care of, put it on the list. No, not your list. Pit it on MY to-do-list. Let me be the one to take care of the problem. I can’t help you until you turn it over to me. And although my –to-do-list is long, I am after all, God. I can take care of anything you put into my hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realized. </font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">3. Trust Me          Once you’ve given your burdens to me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on my list. Problem with finances? Put it on my list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For my sake, put it on my list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask. </font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">4. Leave It Alone          Don’t wake up one morning and say, “Well, I’m feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here.” Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It’s simple. You gave me your burdens and I’m taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don’t you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started. Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do my job. </font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">5. Talk To Me          I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I’, in control. But there’s one thing I pray you never forget. Please don’t forget to talk to me- Often! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with me. I want to be your dearest friend.</font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">6. Have Faith           I see a lot of things from up here that you can’t see from where you are. Have faith in me that I know what I’m doing.  Trust me, you wouldn’t want the view from my eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?</font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">7. Share          You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? The rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven’t heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.</font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">8. Be Patient          I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes me a little longer than you expect to handle something on my to-do-list? Trust in my timing, for my timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.</font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">9. Be Kind           Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for my sake. I crated each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please know I love each of your differences. </font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#0000ff" size="4">10. Love Yourself          As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only—to be lvoed, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes my heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don’t ever forget that! With all my heart, I love you.  GOD</font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Georgia" color="#000000" size="4">This was an email forward I received December 28, 2003. I don’t know who sent it to me nor who wrote this.  I just like it!  Blessings.  …susan</font></p></blockquote> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-32932010165364949362009-12-09T08:20:00.001-06:002009-12-09T08:20:12.701-06:00Bathroom Towel Storage Options Series Part Five-Miscellaneous<p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Continuing my series on bathroom towel storage options- in this post I will share scanned photos showing a miscellaneous assortment of options. One option my daughter-in-law used in her previous home, sorry I do not have a photo, was to hang a metal decorative wine bottle rack on her bathroom wall. This rack had three or four U-shaped hooks. Instead of wine bottles she put rolled up towels. Blessings.  …susan</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"> </font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-x7rDOSkI/AAAAAAAABh4/3hZCK-TZyVs/s1600-h/IMG_00068.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"><img title="IMG_0006" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="422" alt="IMG_0006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-x8Gh_5fI/AAAAAAAABiE/p9fgj9z7uf0/IMG_0006_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Great Baths Collection</font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">^Can’t you imagine sitting on the cushioned bench in your robe drinking coffee and reading a book in front of the fireplace?</font>  </font></font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-x8RsOBQI/AAAAAAAABiQ/z7Uw9MGL3Ig/s1600-h/IMG_00034.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"><img title="IMG_0003" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="385" alt="IMG_0003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-x9e0upOI/AAAAAAAABic/FiuHnsP1q0U/IMG_0003_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"> </font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">^I did not run across this photo of a short chest with a drawer until after I had published the second post on storage in furniture, s</font><font size="4">o, I am adding it here.</font></font></font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-x9_1w4vI/AAAAAAAABio/dI-eK-OTcBA/s1600-h/IMG_00055.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"><img title="IMG_0005" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="506" alt="IMG_0005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-x-lzTVzI/AAAAAAAABi0/gc2E9ZRodWc/IMG_0005_thumb21.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">^Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">Above and below are two examples of storing towels on a “ladder”. Both become a piece of “art” for the bathroom.</font> </font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-x_Ozr0PI/AAAAAAAABjA/xg0y-dWXF7I/s1600-h/IMG_00234.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"><img title="IMG_0023" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="574" alt="IMG_0023" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-x_98LuzI/AAAAAAAABjM/FYT6fVV8UG4/IMG_0023_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Bathrooms by House Beautiful</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yATtNHhI/AAAAAAAABjY/vsneXf1PjXc/s1600-h/IMG_00224.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"><img title="IMG_0022" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="592" alt="IMG_0022" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yBKcn4uI/AAAAAAAABjk/oTsuXxRlpMI/IMG_0022_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Bathrooms by House Beautiful</font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">In the photo above are some interesting wall mounted bins for storing towels which are in keeping with the contemporary design of this bathroom.</font> </font></font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yBi9df8I/AAAAAAAABjw/zFhtibNI-yM/s1600-h/IMG_00044.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"><img title="IMG_0004" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="446" alt="IMG_0004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yCecD5hI/AAAAAAAABj8/w59iA5iXl64/IMG_0004_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">^Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">If you are short on storage space, you can always use a basket to store your towels.</font> </font></font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yDKG07RI/AAAAAAAABkI/LI66ZodPkM4/s1600-h/IMG_00045.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"><img title="IMG_0004" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="529" alt="IMG_0004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yDr76N6I/AAAAAAAABkU/jdzel7V8_0Q/IMG_0004_thumb21.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">^Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">Attractive wall mounted towel hooks are another way to store towels and at the same time create a nice visual as shown above.</font> </font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yEfH7N0I/AAAAAAAABkg/O0tkXfV6IEM/s1600-h/IMG_00054.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"><img title="IMG_0005" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="420" alt="IMG_0005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yE3pnAHI/AAAAAAAABks/09MlQlVozNY/IMG_0005_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">There is nothing more luxurious than a warm fluffy bath towel to wrap yourself in when stepping out of the shower or bath tub. Not only does this warming drawer serve to warm the towels but it is also a great place to store towels.</font> </font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yFC1nOcI/AAAAAAAABk4/icCvSCv3no4/s1600-h/IMG_00195.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"><img title="IMG_0019" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="564" alt="IMG_0019" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yF3wTm6I/AAAAAAAABlE/7lc3eX0ev7k/IMG_0019_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" border="0" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">^Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">^I have never been a fan of a pedestal sink in any bathroom except the powder room because there is no place to put the items used on a daily basis. However, the long counter with shelves below solves that problem. I like the rod that protrudes out of the front of the counter which is a perfect place to hang hand towels or a bath towel as shown. Note the lighted wall mounted magnifying mirror.</font> </font></font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yGfeQ1jI/AAAAAAAABlQ/RTy3ujPHRMM/s1600-h/IMG4.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"><img title="IMG" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/Sx-yG1co4LI/AAAAAAAABlc/gDipmK1Xau4/IMG_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^If you run into a situation where there is no place to put a towel ring or towel bar for towels, here is a possible solution.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000" size="4">I plan for my next post to be my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post and then I will do one on mistakes to avoid with towel storage. </font></font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-36330568744850772422009-12-05T20:56:00.001-06:002009-12-05T20:56:48.212-06:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday December 6, 2009<p><font face="Papyrus" color="#000000" size="4">Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.</font> <font size="4"><font face="Papyrus" color="#000000">With all of the publicity surrounding Tiger Woods, I thought it would be appropriate to share quotes about telling the truth. Blessings.  …susan</font></font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">“…if you <em>tell the truth</em>, <em>your problem becomes a part of your past</em>. If you <em>lie</em>, it <em>becomes a part of your future</em>.”  Coach Rick Pitino as he responded to his own scandal. </font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">“If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.” Marcus Aurelius</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">“A half truth is a whole lie.”  Yiddish proverb</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">“When you stretch the truth, watch out for the snapback.”  Bill Copeland</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">“Who lies for you will lie against you.”  Bosnian proverb</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">“If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.”  Mark Twain</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.” Abraham Lincoln</font></p> <p>“<font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">Truth is generally the best vindication against slander.”  Abraham Lincoln</font></p> <p>“<font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off.”  Gloria Steinem</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">“Humility is nothing but truth; pride is nothing but lying.” Vincent de Paul</font></p> <p>“<font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">The ability to lie is a liability.”  Unknown</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-88586647187992668822009-12-03T17:34:00.001-06:002009-12-03T17:34:14.304-06:00Bathroom Towel Storage Options Series Part Four-Cabinets<p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Welcome back to my bathroom towel storage option series. This time the focus is on storing options for towels in cabinets/closets. Enjoy the variety of cabinet/closet designs shown in the photos below. Glass shelves with a glass door, wooden shelves with a wooden framed cabinet door with glass, pair of doors with mirrored fronts, solid wooden doors, and double closet doors with glass mirrors mounted on the door.  What are  your thoughts?  Blessings.  …susan</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK6DoLtBI/AAAAAAAABg4/tzVoyNxXrZg/s1600-h/IMG_000311.jpg"><img title="IMG_0003" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="616" alt="IMG_0003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK6cnFFoI/AAAAAAAABg8/-A5FRLFxv8g/IMG_0003_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a>  </p> <p> <font face="Tahoma" color="#000000">Source Unknown- if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^Glass shelves behind glass doors.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK6v5MgrI/AAAAAAAABhA/LUmJhnceVYU/s1600-h/IMG_00253.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000"></font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK6v5MgrI/AAAAAAAABhE/I8I-6ytGSlo/s1600-h/IMG_00251.jpg"><img title="IMG_0025" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="538" alt="IMG_0025" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK7aZ0ZCI/AAAAAAAABhI/qJ2EIUNuWUM/IMG_0025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a></a></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000">Source Unknown- if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^Wooden cabinet with glass door.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK7h3-fiI/AAAAAAAABhM/bXFQEWY6_3w/s1600-h/IMG_00263.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000"></font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK7h3-fiI/AAAAAAAABhU/e3l9vBbR_Mg/s1600-h/IMG_00261.jpg"><img title="IMG_0026" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="541" alt="IMG_0026" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK8e6jx8I/AAAAAAAABhc/WK4iUiO6tuc/IMG_0026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000">Source Unknown- if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">^Glass window panes on cabinet doors.</font> </font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK8mK5IjI/AAAAAAAABhg/EF7nrmyviqU/s1600-h/IMG_00021.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000"><img title="IMG_0002" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="581" alt="IMG_0002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK85gf8WI/AAAAAAAABhk/hiM-7tmxPE8/IMG_0002_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000">Source: Great Bath Collections</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^Solid wood cabinet doors.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK9BsguMI/AAAAAAAABho/iuAOhm0OHx0/s1600-h/IMG_00034.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000"><img title="IMG_0003" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="506" alt="IMG_0003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxhK9Y6JEEI/AAAAAAAABhs/dPR2OEMI7e8/IMG_0003_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000">Source: Bathroom Book by House Beautiful</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^Double door linen type closet with full mirrors on front.</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-21791597155027055032009-11-30T19:24:00.001-06:002009-11-30T19:24:52.416-06:00Bathroom Towel Storage Options Series Part Three-Open Shelves<p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Welcome back to my Bathroom Towel Storage Option Series! This time we will look at various options for storing towels on open shelves in a bathroom.  Enjoy the very diverse designs shown in the photos below.  Blessings.  …susan</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwSwUlYFI/AAAAAAAABf0/DsDGVVo-KMI/s1600-h/IMG_00177.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"></font></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwSwUlYFI/AAAAAAAABf4/bMTJqBUUQPE/s1600-h/IMG_001715.jpg"><img title="IMG_0017" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="461" alt="IMG_0017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwT98fDqI/AAAAAAAABgA/UVTDmbRHnFs/IMG_0017_thumb14.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a></a></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Bathrooms by Chris Casson Madden</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^The built-in shelves seen in the photo above serves many functions including a shelf for a television, audio controls, books, <u>towel storage</u>, and toiletries. I like how they used different colors of towels to enhance the shelves. I am not sure how functional and safe it is to have a lamp on the vanity counter. I do like the wall mount of the faucet instead of it being mounted on the vanity counter. </font></p> <p></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"></font></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwUbi4rAI/AAAAAAAABgE/dnMErTw7nQ0/s1600-h/IMG_00021.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"><img title="IMG_0002" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="325" alt="IMG_0002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwUpAhqfI/AAAAAAAABgI/N4qL9Z8e-Fk/IMG_0002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> </font> <p></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Timber Homes Illustrated</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^I am assuming on the opposite end of the vanity which is not seen is the same medicine cabinet with open shelf for towels as shown above. This will provide a generous amount of space for towel storage. Note on the left side of the photo is the bath tub and there is a basket with wash cloths.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwVC14vJI/AAAAAAAABgM/eS4NgcWOEPc/s1600-h/IMG_00041.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"><img title="IMG_0004" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="600" alt="IMG_0004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwVdA8U5I/AAAAAAAABgQ/B4pXjVdfkyA/IMG_0004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: The Bathroom Idea Book by Andrew Wormer</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^I like the thickness of the glass shelves shown above though I tend to shy away from glass shelves due to the fact the dust they collect is usually quite noticeable. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwV_6U4FI/AAAAAAAABgU/9X0pWUtnapg/s1600-h/IMG_00011.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"><img title="IMG_0001" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="526" alt="IMG_0001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwWErkQmI/AAAAAAAABgc/l2eeXWzdu6U/IMG_0001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">^Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font size="2"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><font size="4">I like these cubby holes created in the stone. Also not the side wall above the vanity is on an angle.  I like the long hardware handles used on the cabinets.</font> </font></font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwWhbHPnI/AAAAAAAABgg/Y7TFjTuQeEo/s1600-h/IMG_00053.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"><img title="IMG_0005" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="336" alt="IMG_0005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwXL7D-uI/AAAAAAAABgk/trwrjD9TXxo/IMG_0005_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: The Bathroom Idea Book by Andrew Wormer</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^An interesting design using an aquarium instead of a fireplace. Note there are more towels in the chest on the shelf above the aquarium which I assume are the wash cloths and hand towels. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwXX4CYII/AAAAAAAABgo/v45C9Xo2DWY/s1600-h/IMG_00061.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"><img title="IMG_0006" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="529" alt="IMG_0006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwX6bhgYI/AAAAAAAABgs/DhUwcy7bp7A/IMG_0006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Bathrooms by Chris Casson Madden</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^The glass shelves filled with floral printed towels shown above is a bit too busy for my taste though it offers another option for bathroom towel storage. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwYcM8AKI/AAAAAAAABgw/foWw9qYxIqM/s1600-h/IMG_00031.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"><img title="IMG_0003" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_0003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SxRwY7dqiGI/AAAAAAAABg0/AOIxwcDwHG8/IMG_0003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source:  Bathrooms by House Beautiful</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^An interesting and different kind of bathroom design that on first look appeared to me to be a his and her side with the towels and seated area dividing the two sides. Upon further inspection the wall behind the seated make-up area is a mirror. Note how the drawers are on an upward diagonal. Those look like some powerful lights mounted on the mirror above the make-up table. </font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-2661895717070715632009-11-28T21:17:00.001-06:002009-11-28T21:19:05.682-06:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday November 29, 2009<blockquote> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today. Going through my keepsake drawer I ran across an email forward I printed and kept dated 1999, It was from a friend named Darby. There is no source noted- so unfortunately I cannot give credit to the person who wrote this.  Lots and lots of wisdom in what this person has learned and shared with us. Blessings.  …susan</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve Learned-</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved.  The rest is up to them.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that no matter how much you care, some people just don’t care back.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned – that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that you’d better know something.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned that you can keep going long after you can’t.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that either you control your attitude or it controls you.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that money is a lousy way of keeping score. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that sometimes the people you expect to kick when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that your family won’t always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren’t related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren’t biological.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in awhile and you must forgive them for that.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other and just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that two people can look at the  exact same thing and see something totally different. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#0000ff" size="4">I’ve learned- that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><font color="#0000ff"><font face="Tahoma">I’ve learned- that it’s hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people’s feelings and standing up for what you believe.   </font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font color="#0000ff"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000" size="2">Source unknown- if you know the source and contact me, I will note it.</font></font></font></font></p></blockquote> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-35326813305210831332009-11-23T21:42:00.001-06:002009-11-23T21:42:14.674-06:00Bathroom Towel Storage Options Series Part Two-Furniture<p><font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="4">Continuing my Bathroom Towel Storage Options Series, this post will focus on storing towels in a piece of furniture in your bathroom. I hope the photos shown below give you ideas for your bathroom.  Blessings.  </font><font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="4">…susan</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwtWCVLkvYI/AAAAAAAABfM/lJXrlFO9tNI/s1600-h/IMG_00031.jpg"><img title="IMG_0003" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="541" alt="IMG_0003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwtWC4y8pBI/AAAAAAAABfQ/ihswz8o2km0/IMG_0003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>^Source: Great Baths Collection</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwtWDFAOxNI/AAAAAAAABfU/PdPKMRDYWPY/s1600-h/IMG_00021.jpg"><img title="IMG_0002" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="473" alt="IMG_0002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwtWDRqttQI/AAAAAAAABfY/F-bI04oIr0E/IMG_0002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>^Source: Villa Decor by Betty Lou Phillips</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwtWDz4SoMI/AAAAAAAABfc/2DubwYTIKl8/s1600-h/IMG_00182.jpg"><img title="IMG_0018" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="470" alt="IMG_0018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwtWEDxCUSI/AAAAAAAABfg/vb8_kNRPwD0/IMG_0018_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>^Source: Villa Decor by Betty Lou Phillips</p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwtWEb60Q6I/AAAAAAAABfk/lu3hg4WJy88/s1600-h/IMG_00051.jpg"><img title="IMG_0005" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="637" alt="IMG_0005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwtWE9_GVdI/AAAAAAAABfo/Cm6fSci0EtI/IMG_0005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>^Source Unknown- if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwtWFLu-YbI/AAAAAAAABfs/jSjp2ZVNdfA/s1600-h/IMG_00011.jpg"><img title="IMG_0001" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="520" alt="IMG_0001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwtWFcJYoUI/AAAAAAAABfw/rx_3ntF3El0/IMG_0001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a></p> <p>^Source: Beautiful Baths 2009</p> <p><font face="Tunga" size="4">More posts to come so please check back!</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-86193685200202301032009-11-22T10:56:00.001-06:002009-11-22T10:56:17.396-06:00Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday Post November 22, 2009<p><font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="4">Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and  inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.</font></p> <p><font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="4">Back in the 80’s, I wrote down 10 Steps to a richer, fuller life. I am not sure where I read these but do remember making them a daily part of my life. At some point I got away from doing these- so I am thrilled to begin again.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">10 Steps to a Richer, Fuller Life</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">1. Pray the last thing at night before going to sleep.</font>  <font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="3">This simple act will give you a better nights sleep.</font> </p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">2. Pray the first thing in the morning.</font> <font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="3">I like to say “Good Morning God” when I awake and then pray for my day asking God to accompany me throughout my day.</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">3. Pray for the world.</font> <font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="3">Think about the issues facing our world and pray for a leaders to make right and just decisions. Don’t forget to pray for our soldiers.</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">4. Pray for others.</font><font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="3"> Family, friends, co-workers- even those you hear about on the news. </font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">5. Pray for our enemies.</font> <font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="3">Separate the sin from the sinner. Hate the sin but forgive the sinner.</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">6. Ask yourself daily what you truly desire?</font> <font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="3">I like to take this a step further and write down what I truly desire. When I speak it and write it down it helps me to bring my true desires to the surface.</font> </p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">7. Each and every day try at some point to be alone with self and God.</font> <font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="3">Have a conversation with God and reveal to him what is in your heart and mind.</font> </p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">8. Each day try at least once to be consciously with people or a person and listen to their needs.</font> <font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="3">It can be as simple as eye contact and a chat with the checkout person or to sit with a friend and listen intently to what they have to say.</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">9. Determine daily in one specific area to affect your environment.</font> <font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="3">There are an infinite number of ways to positvely affect your environment. When I walk in the park,  I like to pick up at least one piece of trash. When I am in a store, I like to pick up an item off the floor back on the shelf.  When driving I like to let a car merge in my lane or pull out in front of me. At the grocery store, I like to grab a shopping cart from the parking lot and take it into the store.  (Do you have something you do that is gratifying? If so, please comment and share it.)</font></p> <p><font face="Papyrus" color="#0000ff" size="4">10. Each day say a definite NO to some activity and a definite YES to another.</font>  <font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="3">When I first tried doing this it was much more difficult than I would have imagined. I find there are many opportunities to say no- but less to say yes. I can say no to a food, no to buying something, no to listening to gossip, etc.  My yes’s tend to be to take care of something I might want to put off until tomorrow and to give myself permission to do something for myself. (To what might you say a definite no and a definite yes? Please share with a comment.) </font></p> <p><font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="3">Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!  …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-33827580855794036692009-11-21T07:08:00.001-06:002009-11-22T11:32:45.072-06:00Bathroom Towel Storage Option Series Part One-Vanity<p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Welcome to my Bathroom Towel Storage Option Series. Over the next two weeks I will publish several posts showing options for bathroom towel storage. This first post will give you ideas for storing your bathroom towels in the bathroom vanity.  You will find some towels are folded while others are rolled. Enjoy!</font>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmShYTYZI/AAAAAAAABeM/CMAbASKafXk/s1600-h/IMG_00104.jpg"><img title="IMG_0010" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="551" alt="IMG_0010" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmTKPlhxI/AAAAAAAABeQ/h5F8OWSHU1E/IMG_0010_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Beautiful Baths 2008</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^The white towels perfectly folded in the photo above add to the elegance of this vanity.  I think they would also look elegant if rolled.</font>  <font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Another option would have been a glass cabinet door.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmTD_wfzI/AAAAAAAABeU/n2GV1ttbvLo/s1600-h/IMG_00019.jpg"><img title="IMG_0001" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="544" alt="IMG_0001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmTsfkjOI/AAAAAAAABeY/5OrW3DN5WRw/IMG_0001_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^Don’t you think these open shelves add to the design of this vanity?</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmT8QH83I/AAAAAAAABec/MpRIIL2iR-Q/s1600-h/IMG4.jpg"><img title="IMG" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="450" alt="IMG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmULO5M4I/AAAAAAAABeg/ULZLSeMX8wI/IMG_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Villa Decor by Betty Lou Phillips</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^The blue towels stored in the open shelves above serve as an accent color for this blue and white bathroom.</font>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmUYsUTCI/AAAAAAAABek/VpqblmmwX44/s1600-h/IMG_00094.jpg"><img title="IMG_0009" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="343" alt="IMG_0009" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmU8TihsI/AAAAAAAABeo/RugcyMv3sak/IMG_0009_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> <font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^The double row of open shelves in the photo above is very spacious and provides many options for towel storage as well as other storage. There is plenty of space for folded or rolled towels. The baskets actually replace drawers. They could hold hand and wash cloths. The rest of the baskets could hold hair products, with another one holding make up, another hair dryers/curling irons/ flattening irons, etc.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmVKyIdoI/AAAAAAAABes/wYcVyrxy-Co/s1600-h/IMG_00012.jpg"><img title="IMG_0001" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="525" alt="IMG_0001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmVTCfZbI/AAAAAAAABew/rgFNSf2ZRRc/IMG_0001_thumb51.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Bathrooms by House Beautiful</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^A large open shelf as shown above gives you lots of towel storage options. They have rolled the large bath sheets, made a stack of bath towels with wash cloths on top, and then made a stack of hand towels. One could add a small basket and put rolled wash cloths in it to offset the basket of bath brushes. Another interesting detail in the photo above is the towel bar located under what appears to be a medicine cabinet. Take a moment and think about how you would store towels on this vanity shelf.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmVh9qmKI/AAAAAAAABe0/9-6buD_YV98/s1600-h/IMG_00028.jpg"><img title="IMG_0002" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="409" alt="IMG_0002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmVz6lc8I/AAAAAAAABe4/aJN5FTjLQpo/IMG_0002_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source Unknown- if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^When I was looking for photos for this post, I ran across this one showing four cubby holes to store folded or rolled towels. An attractive option for storing towels. As I was studying this photo for this post, what caught my attention were the interesting sconces, the three-way mounted magnifying mirror and the shutter to cover the windows.</font> <font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Sometimes I find interesting elements in a photo I have chosen to support my post!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmWN8cy6I/AAAAAAAABe8/8ZgE3yqF9Lc/s1600-h/IMG_00035.jpg"><img title="IMG_0003" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="560" alt="IMG_0003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmWobPJHI/AAAAAAAABfA/B_FZ8QzwsHU/IMG_0003_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Bathrooms by House Beautiful</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Above is another option- this time it is storing towels on a rounded corner shelf.  The monogram adds a design element.</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmW09rV_I/AAAAAAAABfE/2gCtjsHBbaQ/s1600-h/IMG_00046.jpg"><img title="IMG_0004" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="526" alt="IMG_0004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwfmXBH7IrI/AAAAAAAABfI/JOoHbPvy-QI/IMG_0004_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Dream Baths</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">^Storing towels on an opens shelf under the sink in this photo is a great way to hide the plumbing. Additionally, I am wild about the drawer under the towels!</font> </p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Of course you can always store towels behind a vanity cabinet door or in a vanity drawer.  Check back for Part Two of this series.  Blessings.  …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-11578394389678305982009-11-20T07:31:00.001-06:002009-11-20T07:40:42.257-06:00A One Day Offer-<p><font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="4">My friend, Paula Owens, is the author of a book titled <em>The Power of 4</em>. Paula’s book is full of information that will motivate and educate you in your quest for optimal or better health. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwaaLNd28kI/AAAAAAAABeE/zX2HsQLFmCA/s1600-h/Paula%20ownefrontcover0709%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="Paula ownefrontcover0709" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="334" alt="Paula ownefrontcover0709" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwaaLYG24GI/AAAAAAAABeI/rrr30yO7QoY/Paula%20ownefrontcover0709_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="4">Don’t we all talk to ourselves or our friends about doing better with our diet and exercise. Almost always on the first day of each month I will make a commitment in my mind that I am going to treat my body as a temple and only allow nutritionally sound foods to enter. Some months I make it the entire month other months I don’t do so well. With the holidays upon us, we will all be tempted to reach for unhealthy foods. Some of us will just give in and think I will start a diet the first of the year; others will be mindful of our choices. Either way, Paula’s book will help you now or in the new year. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000"><font face="Tunga" size="4">Paula is offering through Amazon.com a one day event today (November 20, 2009) where you can buy her book for $11.33.  Click </font><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/shops/storefront/index.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sellerID=A3JXE1MAGXU7UP"><font face="Tunga" color="#0000ff" size="4">here</font></a><font face="Tunga" size="4"> to link to that offer.  You can check out her website as well.  <a title="http://www.paulaowens.com/" href="http://www.paulaowens.com/">http://www.paulaowens.com/</a>   </font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000"><font face="Tunga" size="4">Blessings and good health!  …susan</font></font></p> <p><font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="4">PS  My next post will begin tomorrow- a series on storing towels in your bathroom.  </font></p> <p><font face="Tunga" color="#000000" size="4"></font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-86863169670265885622009-11-16T19:37:00.001-06:002009-11-16T19:37:58.429-06:00Storing Wine In Your Kitchen: Mistakes to Avoid<p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">As a follow up to my Storing Wine In Your Kitchen Series, I want to share with you some mistakes to avoid. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">1. Make sure the openings for storing wine is deep enough so that the wine bottle doesn’t stick out too far.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">2. Don’t make the opening so tight it only fits the standard size wine bottle (750 ml). The 1.5 liter size wine bottle (magnum) is also very popular and I recommend that your openings be able to fit both sizes.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">3. Pay attention to the location of the kitchen windows and make sure sunshine will not shine directly on your bottles of wine.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">4. If you store wine behind a cabinet door and want to be able to lock that cabinet, inform your builder/cabinet maker before the cabinets are made. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">5. Consider any physical restrictions you might have that would prevent you from stooping over to retrieve wine stored below the kitchen counter or reaching high to retrieve wine stored above the kitchen counter.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">6. If you have young children, make sure wine stored below the counter is located behind a door which can be locked with a key or childproof locks can be applied. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">7. Though in the series I showed some photos of wine stored above the refrigerator, it is important to make sure the heat generated from the refrigerator motor does not reach that area as it can dry out the cork and spoil the wine.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwH-aiSav9I/AAAAAAAABdk/mKyOpK0-Rnk/s1600-h/IMG_0011%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0011" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="592" alt="IMG_0011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwH-a4uymTI/AAAAAAAABdo/PzktXP4F-l4/IMG_0011_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source of photo unknown</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">8. Avoid storing wine above an oven due to the heat that escapes when the oven door is open. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwH-bgzpHtI/AAAAAAAABds/5Y9fqErnjwA/s1600-h/IMG_0018%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0018" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="920" alt="IMG_0018" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwH-bwxjRyI/AAAAAAAABdw/4h9nBW5upsg/IMG_0018_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" border="0" /></a> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">9. Ice makers generate a lot of heat so make sure if you are storing wine near an ice maker it will not be affected by the heat. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">10. Spend time calculating how many bottles of wine you will be storing so you do not end up not having enough storage or you end up wasting space with too much storage.</font> <font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> In the photo below over 100 bottles of wine can be stored under the island. If you do not have that much wine, a better use for some of the space would be to add  cabinets, drawers, or shelves for cookbooks.</font> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwH-cbsv-XI/AAAAAAAABd0/Ue3PRFwCAK4/s1600-h/IMG%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="452" alt="IMG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwH-csEXEXI/AAAAAAAABd4/1R8qokQke-U/IMG_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: The New Smart Approach to Kitchen Design by Susan Maney</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">11. Make sure if you use decide to have individual storage using the criss-crossed design that the wood is substantial enough so it will not split or break.</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwH-c_qY4NI/AAAAAAAABd8/OfB2cQbcH3M/s1600-h/IMG_0001%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0001" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="673" alt="IMG_0001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SwH-dZWhSBI/AAAAAAAABeA/IRJkCG4KCvg/IMG_0001_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="2">Source: Kitchen Ideas That Work by Beth Veillette</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">My hope is that you enjoyed this series- giving you ideas and preventing mistakes!  Blessings.  …susan</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">PS I forgot my laptop at home when I left town this past weekend so I skipped my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday Post. </font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2664504881218301819.post-41909593248797071032009-11-12T21:23:00.001-06:002009-11-12T21:23:02.895-06:00Storing Wine In Your Kitchen Series Part Five-<p><font color="#000000"><font face="Tahoma" size="4">Welcome to the final post of my Storing Wine In Your Kitchen Series. To view the previous posts, click </font><a href="http://designingyourdreamhome.blogspot.com/2009/10/storing-wine-in-your-kitchen-series.html"><font face="Tahoma" color="#ff0000" size="4">here</font></a><font face="Tahoma" size="4"> for post one, </font><a href="http://designingyourdreamhome.blogspot.com/2009/10/storing-wine-in-your-kitchen-series_30.html"><font face="Tahoma" color="#ff0000" size="4">here</font></a><font face="Tahoma" size="4"> for post two, </font><a href="http://designingyourdreamhome.blogspot.com/2009/11/storing-wine-in-your-kitchen-series.html"><font face="Tahoma" color="#ff0000" size="4">here</font></a><font face="Tahoma" size="4"> for post three, and </font><a href="http://designingyourdreamhome.blogspot.com/2009/11/storing-wine-in-your-kitchen-series_05.html"><font face="Tahoma" color="#ff0000" size="4">here</font></a><font face="Tahoma" size="4"> for post four.</font></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">During the time that I have been working on my Storing Wine In Your Kitchen Series, I happened to have dinner at Giovanni’s- which happens to be my favorite restaurant in Nashville. With wine storage options on my mind, I was drawn to the enormous wine bottles on display in the bar (see photo below-note in front are regular size bottles of wine to give you a visual comparison). I asked Giovanni if I could take a photo as he rattled off the names of the bottles and told me there are some that are even larger. I had seen a Jerobaum which is 4.5 liters and assumed that was the largest size. Little did I know. What about you, did you know there is a size called a Sovereign which is 25 liters and it pours 125 glasses of wine?  I could barely lift the largest one in the photo below and in comparison it is half the size of the Sovereign.  I cannot imagine anyone trying to lift and pour the Sovereign. I will ask Giovanni if it is used purely for display and if not, how is it poured and report back with the answer.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SvzRD8YHD5I/AAAAAAAABdM/s_HzuhtOAy4/s1600-h/DSC01628%5B4%5D.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"><img title="DSC01628" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="292" alt="DSC01628" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SvzREf-sfqI/AAAAAAAABdQ/3pkr8PDmb2w/DSC01628_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">From the back row right-to-left is Nebuchadnezzar, Balthazar, Salmanazar, and the last two on the left are both Methuselah. It appears the second to last is larger due to the height but both are 6 liters. The diameter of the bottle on the left is extends higher to counter for the height. I placed standard bottles of wine in front of these monsters to give you an idea of the size of these bottles of wine. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SvzREgPgrlI/AAAAAAAABdU/u2O3n2Qv0yI/s1600-h/DSC01629%5B4%5D.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"><img title="DSC01629" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="292" alt="DSC01629" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SvzRE6HZktI/AAAAAAAABdY/z35nnnvwMrI/DSC01629_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Giovanni’s is located close to Vanderbilt University and Music Row. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SvzRFCZzCTI/AAAAAAAABdc/WQCldYnpKuw/s1600-h/DSC01630%5B4%5D.jpg"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"><img title="DSC01630" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="292" alt="DSC01630" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_jjeZ9ZOFkMY/SvzRFirRGsI/AAAAAAAABdg/FFi3vXPdUSk/DSC01630_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Giovanni came to the United States from Northern Italy in the mid-seventies making New York City his new home.  He learned to speak English and in 1982, he opened his first restaurant in New York City. In 1994, he moved to 55th between 5th and 6th in 1994 and remained at that location until closing the doors this year. He opened Giovanni’s in Nashville in November 2008. Many Nashvillians were customers in his New York restaurant and became friends of Giovanni and his lovely wife, Nieda. In fact, he and Nieda, have had an apartment in Nashville for sixteen years. They now call Nashville their home.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Below is a list of 19 bottle sizes which gives you the name of the bottle, size, and number of glasses it will pour. </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Bottle <br />Size <br />Number of Glasses <br />Comments</font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Mignonette</strong> <br />5cl to 25cl <br />- <br />Is used as a sample</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Piccolo</strong> <br />20cl <br />1 <br />1/4 of a standard bottle</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Chopine</strong> <br />25cl <br />1.25 <br />1/3 of a standard bottle</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Half bottle (or demi)</strong> <br />37.5cl <br />1.875 <br />Also known as Split or Tenth</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Fillette</strong> <br />37.5cl <br />1.875 <br />Same as Half <br />In </font></font></font><a href="http://www.terroir-france.com/wine/loirevalley.htm"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Loire Valley</font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> only</font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Bottle</strong> <br />75cl <br />3.75 <br />Standard bottle</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Magnum</strong> <br />1.5l <br />7.5 <br />2 standard bottles</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Marie-Jeanne or Dame-Jeanne</strong> <br />2.25l <br />11.25 <br />In some areas it can contain 3l</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Double Magnum</strong> <br />3l <br />15 <br />4 standard bottles</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Jeroboam</strong> <br />4.5l <br />22.5 <br />In </font></font></font><a href="http://www.terroir-france.com/wine/bordeaux.htm"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Bordeaux</font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> <br />In </font><a href="http://www.terroir-france.com/wine/bourgogne.htm"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Burgundy</font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4"> and </font><a href="http://www.terroir-france.com/wine/champagne.htm"><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Champagne</font></a><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">, Jeroboam is 3l <br />First king of Israel </font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Rehoboam</strong> <br />4.5l <br />22.5 <br />In Burgundy and Champagne <br />Son of Solomon and King of Judah</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Imperial</strong> <br />6l <br />30 <br />In Bordeaux <br />8 standard bottles</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Methuselah or Mathusalem</strong> <br />6l <br />30 <br />In Burgundy and Champagne <br />Patriarch in the Bible</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Salmanazar</strong> <br />9l <br />45 <br />12 standard bottles <br />King of Assyria</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Balthazar</strong> <br />12l <br />60 <br />16 standard bottles <br />Regent of Babylon</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Nebuchadnezzar or Nabuchodonosor</strong> <br />15l <br />75 <br />In Burgundy and Champagne <br />20 standard bottles <br />King of Babylon</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Melchior</strong> <br />18l <br />90 <br />In Burgundy and Champagne <br />24 standard bottles</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Solomon</strong> <br />20l <br />100 <br />Very rare</font></font></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000"><strong>Sovereign</strong> <br />25l <br />125 <br />In Champagne, rare</font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">A glass is 20cl of wine (0.21 US quart / 0.42 pint / 6.75 oz)</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Liquid measurements <br />1 liter = 0.26 US gallon / 1.05 US quart / 2.11 pint / 33.8 oz <br />1 standard bottle (75cl) = 0.2 US gallon / 0.8 US quart / 1.58 pint / 25.35 oz</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Source:: Terrior-France website</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" color="#000000" size="4">Thank you for visiting my blog. I would love to hear from you in a comment!  Blessings. …susan</font></p> Susan Langhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652122501697587711noreply@blogger.com1