Passions and Struggles-

I have had my share of struggles over the years. I have had many challenges both personally and professionally. We all have our personal demons, mine being depression. When you suffer from such a disorder you have to keep reaching inside yourself to find strength and ambition to get you through the tough days. You have to keep your passions alive. I have been fortunate enough to have found my true passions. One is my profession, Interior Design, the other a pastime, Boxing. I found both passions later in life. I was 25 years old when I knew I wanted to be an Interior Designer. My career started with a job interview with the owner of The Concord House, an Ethan Allen furniture dealer. I went on the interview eagerly and confident, where Mr. Kaplan asked- "What do you know about furniture?" I said nothing, but I am wiling to learn. He handed me a catalog featuring the furniture Ethan Allen sold and said, "Come back when you know about furniture". I left very excited and spent the next week at the library learning furniture styles. I called Mr. Kaplan back and said I'm ready!  He said, "I'm sorry, who did you say you were?" I am amused now, he had no idea who I was, and the effect he would have on my life and career. I found my passion that day we met. I did get the job at Ethan Allen and eventually earned my degree at Sage for Interior Design. My other passion- Boxing! I started boxing for fitness about 4 yeras ago. I entered Sweeney's Boxing, a middle aged woman with no idea why I was interested in this form of fitness. I had never played any sports, None! I was looking for something in my life to make me feel strong and alive. I was met at the counter by Javy Martinez, who made me feel at ease immediately. I made an appointment for my first boxing session. The first time in the gym with Javy and his encouragement made me a believer. I was hooked! After that I had many trainers....  Zach Smith, Charlie Roohan and the owner of Sweeney's, Rick Sweeney. Everyone of them made me feel like I was a winner. I eventually narrowed my training down to one personal trainer, Zach Smith. Every time I have worked out with Zach, I leave the gym saying the same thing... "I love boxing!" I have not seen Zach in about a year.... we have an appointment to start boxing again next week... I timidly sent him a text a few weeks back and said to Zach, "I am in rough shape....I am wiling to work hard- will you work with me ?" He was enthusiastically supportive and  I cant wait to start again. I may have found both of my passions later than most, but it just goes to show you, you can find them with a little guts and encouragement ... Many thanks to Howard Kaplan and Javy Martinez for believing in me! Many of the boxing professionals I mentioned are in the boxing documentary Passions and Struggles.... Watch the trailer, its going to be a great inspiring movie. Most of all remember, its never to late to find your passions!


http://youtu.be/bbzcJWJyRoI

Nice desk for a small space-

I was shopping for a client a few weeks back and came across this desk. A great desk for a small space. In this age of laptops and tablets, a small desk is all that's necessary for a home office. The size and shape of this desk lends itself for use in a Living Room or Bedroom. You can carve out a home office with very little space needed. The matching chair is comfortable enough for you to stay awhile but also works well with a more formal room design- Technology is changing our furniture needs... no more wires, stacks of paper and desks the size of an old Buick.... !

Mans need for shelter

 While hunting in the snowy woods yesterday- we came across two structures. I found it interesting- Mans need to create comfort. Truthfully, It was probably my frame of mind. I have been reading a book with my daughter called The Hunger Games. Its a book about a young girls survival - its a great read and also a movie coming out this month- you should check out the trailer - With that said, we have had a lot of conversation about how comfortable our lives are. For me as a designer, I am always looking to make life easier and more comfortable through my designs. I was tickled to see these attempts at comfort in the middle of the woods yesterday- Check it out-

 This Tee- Pee was never finished and was really on its way to being quite nice.......

Tables  chairs even a wood stove all brought in to the woods for the creature comforts of home- I was amused - I hope you are too!

Simple things....

 When homemade bread comes out of the oven -Smiles take over- Simplicity can be so satisfying ...Baked perfectly brown and smelling so amazing..... Simple ingredients - amazing end result! Counting all my blessings today and everyday....... I see so much out and about,shopping for my clients- recently I was thinking about how some of the design elements from days gone by make there way back into our everyday environments-

I saw this awesome quilt at Joannes Fabric - It has an inspiring new design edge to it - the embroidery is so detailed, making it easily fit in with today's interior designs

My Mom sent me my birth announcement as a Valentine!

Sweetest idea! My Mom sent me my birth announcement as a valentine- I hope you can read it- apparently my drama filled life was my path from the very beginning- I love you Mom and Dad!

A really nice option if you love a wood floor but a reluctant to installing it in a high traffic area

I love this product. It's a floor tile that has been made to look like real wood- and its a darn good one! One of the most dreaded areas to install wood flooring is in a mud room or high traffic entry- Rain, snow, mud, pets - all of them make a beautiful wood floor look warn and soiled in just a years time- So this is a great alternative- it also comes in many colors - making it appropriate for any interior style from modern to country and everything in between!

With a bit of creativity.....

With a bit of creativity you can change your custom window treatments..... This cornice window treatment  has a detachable fabric "scarf" - the scarf buttons off of the cornice- so you can change it to go with your new room scheme. The button on scarf can be made in any shape or style> So ..... Be creative!