Things to Know About Interior Design

Make your space personal

Any space either in your home or any personal space should reflect you as a person. When a guest or family member walks into the area, the style and character of the space should remind them of you. By adding accessories and interests that are yours as a homeowner, the area should reveal your style and design clearly. Form is achieved by displaying your likes of design, personal hobbies, and memory design. Memory designs are what you as an individual, grew up with as a child and carried on with you as you became an adult. The most important decision is not to follow what is currently available in stores and trends that are most popular. Trends or something that is in demand from a familiar experience often dictate design. As an example, when the movie came out 10 years ago about Dalmatians, of course, there was a run on Dalmatian puppies. As the dogs grew, so did the reality of maintaining the breed of dogs healthy, happy, and behavior-free. The breed was saturated in this country. That is how the trend is set with no consideration of the repercussions of a poorly thought-out plan.

In design, the same goes for that beautiful piece of art that was in the latest hit movie. One should ask, "Is that me? Alternately, look for art that compliments you, your style of wardrobe, or your current decoration. Surprisingly, decorating your home is not extremely different from picking an outfit to wear. An excellent exercise is to look in your closet. Determine what colors are you drawn to? Do you prefer modern or traditional? Clean or curvy lines? Using your preference in clothing as a guide in a style for your home will guarantee a space that is yours.

Your surroundings should be your focus

Determining your limitations in design can be your best defense against failure. Understand your limits in size, proportion, and scale of the room. Plus, one should consider his or her environment and adapt to it. Whether in the country or city, taking a cue from your surroundings will help. Look at the context of your space and base your choices on this streamlined path.

Style: Informal or Formal?

Determining your comfort zone can be half the battle. Never purchase an impulse buy when shopping for furniture. Do not purchase the look without determining comfort. A good rule of thumb is a vertical or formal design is long, narrow, and stiff. A horizontal or informal design is wide and short. This furniture creates a more comfortable piece to sit or lay on. I am guilty of impulse buying, but I am getting better as I step back and determine what I am looking for in a piece of furniture. I have learned this important lesson. I need to remind myself every time I go shopping for my home or a client. When the thought of home means cozy, and I want my furniture to reflect that thought, I make sure that the comfort level is there. If one asks for a formal design, I must look at furniture differently, as it is not my idea of comfort, but theirs. The toughest thing is going to a friend's home and sitting on an uncooperative chair where your balance is taxed by the lack of comfort you are accustomed to. One needs to adapt to other homes and the style for which the homeowner is used in their space. A good rule is a home should be inviting and comfortable no matter what style one chooses. 

Stay Classic

Good design transcends time means a classic design that was or is used in the past, present, and future. Staying classic in design can incorporate style and design that will last much longer than the fads and trends of today. This method gives the designer the liberty to render them as one's design style develops. I like to use classic furnishings with traditional prints. The fabric provides the homeowner or myself with a solid foundation to build on. This design can blend with trendy or personalized accessories or finishes, as long as the dominant design is classic. In design, it is thrilling to find a gorgeous antique dining table, buffet, or traditional armchair. As a designer, it is disheartening to find furnishings where the shape, angle, and line of the piece are lovely, but the finish or fabric is wrong. In this circumstance though, I say: Score! With plenty of methods to alter or transform an older, classically shaped piece of furniture, it is easier to do than to find the perfect piece with no alteration. If it is a sofa, re-pad the seats and reupholster the piece, add new throw pillows, and re-stain or polish the feet. If it is an aged dresser, paint it, highlight the trim, or accent the embellishments! The options are boundless for updating a classic or timeless piece. 

More with less

Everything used should be simple and fit comfortably in the space. Never overcrowd the room or space, as it looks overdone or cluttered. If you look around each room, determine what should stay and what should go. This process makes the room appear larger and tidier, as the area will take on the style as your own. If later one believes he or she needs more, additions can always be made gradually to enhance the style or design. Just remember, too much can become clutter, so more thought is less headache. Always access the space before buying and stay away from matching items and coordinating pieces. This act will enhance your style and show character in your design.

Pine Cone Cheese Ball

Here is a great snack to bring to any holiday event. I always bring this because it is a tremendous success. I hope you have a wonderful season. People will eat it up.

1    8oz Cream Cheese, softened
2    Green onions, diced

1/2  Cup sharp or medium cheddar cheese, grated

Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and cover the ball with roasted almonds

Thoroughly mix them together in a bowl and make them into a ball.

Place the ball in the center of a serving platter. Shape the cheese ball into an elongated ball.
layer almonds on the surface to resemble a pine cone.
Add a sprig of rosemary to add greenery to the dish.

Lay crackers out along the rim of the platter.

Options:
Favorite, sprinkle with light paprika, sliced almonds, or sesame seeds. If you would rather not make it look like a pine cone; your choice.

Add a small serving knife and look out.

I never bring home leftovers. It disappears.

Tip. Make ahead so the flavors marry before the party.

You can also make a jumbo batch by doubling the recipe

"Daddy, I don't want you to eat that ham!"

The other morning, I was making a ham steak for breakfast. I knew by the look on my daughter's face that she was pondering over a problem. I asked her, "Are you feeling alright...do you want some breakfast? She told me she wasn't hungry anymore.

Now, my girl is never NOT hungry in the mornings and she has been running around the family room since she got up, so she was not ill; So what was the problem?

I served up the breakfast and placed it on the table. I poured a bowl of cereal for my daughter, added some bananas, and brought her some rice milk. After everyone sat down, she jumped up and gave me an enormous hug.

"Daddy, I don't want you to eat that ham!" she burst out.
"Why?" I asked.

SO... I have made ham all her life or bacon or sausages, yet that morning she was upset I was going to eat ham. I knew something was wrong.

"Honey, why don't you want me to eat ham?" Before she could answer me, she ran over to the desk and grabbed a pencil and some paper. "Here, write your name down," she said. I scribbled my name on the paper and asked her again, "So why can't I eat this ham?"

She held onto my arm and handed me the paper with my name on it. She waited until I grabbed the sheet of paper from her.

"Because I don't want you to get hamnesia," she mumbled. It took all of my willpower not to break out laughing.

I looked at her as she stared at me with her sad eyes and her heartfelt concern. She was serious.

I had cereal with her, and she explained how she had watched a show where someone had amnesia and didn't remember his family.

After she was calm, and off playing in her room, I had the best chuckle.

Homemade New York Pizza

Nothing says "welcome" better than a piping hot New York pizza smothered in homemade tangy pizza sauce and oozing with fresh mozzarella; so welcome home.

For many years, families everywhere have made pizza as a staple entrée for dinner. No longer just a cultural meal, this tasty and affordable treat has become an icon in weekly food menus. Cooks can read about pizza in various books, forums on the web, and media publications. Fortunately, the many books available will specifically discuss the art of pizza making and the various ways this amazing dish represents different styles of origin. When looking into different styles of pizza, mainly two come to mind. The two most popular styles are perfect in every way. The only difference is whether the reader makes Chicago-style pizza or the New York pizza pie. Both styles are incredibly delicious, but I can only comment on what I grew up with as a child. A New York pizza pie is very hard to find that tastes authentic. Many pizzerias claim to have genuine New York pizza pie, but finding the "real deal" always creates a challenge.

As cooks search for the best New York pizza recipe, variations of a close substitute can offer the cook some nostalgic relief. This mouth-watering recipe will bring out memories of childhood in which the reader can remember the first time the Empire State Building, the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, Coney Island, and of course the New York Strip. This recipe is easy to make and very delicious. Once the reader has made this pizza pie, he or she will want to make another and tell all of their friends about the pizza. The reader's guests will not be disappointed, so roll up your sleeves, and enjoy an amazing dinner New York style.

Homemade Pizza Dough Ingredients

2 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast

1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)

1 1/4 cups ice cold water

2 tablespoons cold-pressed virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon sea salt

5 1/2 cups unbleached bread flour, save ¼ of this for rolling the dough.

Cooking spray

1. Dissolve the yeast in 1 cup of warm water in a small bowl; let stand for 5 minutes. Combine 1 1/4 cups cold water, olive oil, cane sugar, and sea salt in a small bowl; swish with a wooden spoon. Do not mix yeast or use metal utensils.
2. Lightly spoon about 5 1/4 cups bread flour into dry measuring cups. Combine the flour, yeast mixture, and cold water mixture in a bowl. Mix until dough forms a ball (approximately 6 - 8 minutes). Let the dough rest for 2 minutes in the mixing bowl. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 3 minutes); add enough of the remaining 1/4 cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands. The dough should feel sticky to prevent drying out.
3. Divide the dough in half, and place each half in a large greased freezer bag. Coating the bag with cooking spray will prevent the dough from sticking to the bag when the cook takes it out to bake. Close the bag and chill overnight. The dough may rise in the refrigerator, when pulled out to rest push down on the dough. Let the dough stand at room temperature for one hour before using.

Homemade Pizza Sauce Ingredients

1/4 cup cold water

2 tablespoons chopped basil, fresh or dried

1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons oregano, dried

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, drained slightly

1 (6-ounce) can herbed tomato paste

Sauce Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl, and mix.
Various Pizza Topping Combinations

• Four-Cheese Pizza: Brush each round of dough with 3/4 cup pizza sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup each thinly sliced parmesan cheese; Fontina cheese, and Sharp Cheddar.
• Pepperoni and Salami: Brush each round of dough with 3/4 cup pizza sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup each thinly sliced red onion, sliced pepperoni, and sliced salami.
• Vegetable: Brush each round of dough with 1 cup of pizza sauce; 2 shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup each thinly sliced onion, sliced orange bell pepper, sliced zucchini disks, and sliced sun-dried tomato halves; and jar of drained artichoke hearts.
• Margherita: Brush each round of dough with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup shredded provolone cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until the top is lightly browned, approximately 10 minutes. Spread out 15 fresh basil leaves coated with 1 teaspoon olive oil over pizza; drain 8 thin tomato slices on paper towels; arrange on baked pizza. The cook should continue baking the pizza until the crust is browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes longer.
• Red Hot-Wing Chicken: Brush each round of dough with 3/4 cup pizza sauce; 1 1/2 cups sauteed and cubed or shredded chicken breast mixed with 3 to 4 tablespoons Red hot wing sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 3/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; 2 to 4 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh jalapeño chilies; 1 to 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 4 ounces cooked hard salami, cut into 1/4-inch chunks; and paprika to taste.

Pizza Baking Instructions:
Bake at 500F for 10 - 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the center of the pizza is cooked. The cook should remember to avoid stacking the toppings too high, or the center will never cook before the crust overcooks. When the pizza is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it with a pizza cutter. The pizzas are a tremendous hit for dinners or weekend parties and when family comes over to sit, the only thing left to do is Mangiare.

The Home Stager's Tools of the Trade

When preparing, the first step is to have the supplies to complete the job. The following is an itemized list of the basic supplies one needs to Home Stage like a professional. These supplies are essential for the success of one’s staging job. There are many other tools we believe you should eventually get, but these are the basics.

Stationary

Brochures
Business Cards
Thank you cards
Staging Post Cards
Redesign Postcards
Presentation folders
Quotation folders
Envelopes
Letterhead
Bumper stickers
Pens
Blank invoices
Helpful tools
Furniture moving set
Carpet Sliders
Hard floor sliders
Discount offers (Pods)
3 ft and 6-foot ladder
Uniform: pants, polo shirt, socks, comfortable shoes
Rubber gloves
Paint can key
Visual Aid tools
Consultation Guides
Staging Portfolio
Stager’s Yard Signs
Shirts to give
Working Aprons

Hammer	A 16-oz. curved-claw nail hammer is your best bet. A rubber grip handle is more comfortable to use for long periods.
Saw	A crosscut hand saw will handle most things. Some short ones will fit into the average toolbox.
Stapler	A small stapler that will also hold small brads can be very handy.
Screwdrivers	A small basic set that contains both standard flat blades and Phillips heads will tackle most jobs. Some pretty neat combination drivers include a variety of blades that all fit on one main handle.
Tape	Don't forget the incredible duct tape, which can hold anything together. Electrical tape is handy too.
Drill	Either cordless or electrical will do. You will also need a variety of bits.
Level	Even a small, inexpensive level can help your work come out straight. 24 to 36 inch
C-Clamps	These will hold lots of things you are trying to put back together.
Pliers	A good, basic pair of slip-joint pliers can tighten, loosen, and hold many things for you.
Wrench	An adjustable wrench or a "Crescent" wrench can give you lots of extra muscle to tighten and loosen a variety of nuts and bolts.
Ruler	A retracting flexible tape rule is compact, accurate, and very useful.
Utility Knife	Get one with replaceable blades.
Glue	Household cement will tackle most things.
Fasteners	Buy a couple of inexpensive variety packs and you'll probably have what you need.
Sandpaper	A basic variety pack should have what you will need for the average project.
Lubricant	WD-40 is amazing stuff.
Flashlight	A small, rechargeable flashlight is important for many emergencies.
Tool Box	A lightweight, plastic model will hold most of this stuff plus a few of your own favorites. Some nifty models have some outstanding features, like a place to sit down!
Plunger	A plumber's friend can also be your friend, especially if your toilet is overflowing!
Measuring Tape	A measuring tape 25 to 30 feet long

Feng Shui: Bagua Basic Fundamental Quiz

 1.      What does Feng Shui mean?

 

       2.      What does it promote, and where? Give four examples.
        a.
        b.
        c.
        d.

 

3.      Explain what the five elements are, and how do they reflect in Feng Shui?

 

4.      What do the five elements give you?

 

5.      Explain the eight directions and how you would use them to enrich your chi, yin/yang, and balance?
 

6.      To maximize one of your eight directions in your space, please fill in the box that you feel you need to focus on for your success in balancing and calming your chi?

            Place the eight directions in the space above

1.      Creativity                                                     5.  Self -Motivation

2.      Communication, water                             6.  Ambition, attention to detail

3.      Savings, Motherhood                                7.  Leadership, Wisdom

4.      Public Recognition, Fame                         8.  Romance, entertainment

       7.      What is an arrow or corner, and what can it do to your chi?

8.      How do you break an arrow so it is harmless?

9.      Why should you not use mirrors in your bedroom where you sleep, or should you?

10.  What are some favorable locations in your home, and how is it designed so that it can enhance the room’s potency?
 

11.  At your age and time of life (vitality), what direction should the foot of your bed point to maximize your chi and/or balance?

12.  Where should your feet never point while you are sleeping? 

13.  Why should you never have reflective items and pictures of people in your bedroom? 

14.  Give three remedies for increasing wealth and success? (Hints: Desk, Pot, Bed)

a.      ____________________________________________

b.      ____________________________________________

       c.       ____________________________________________

 

15.  Give three remedies for increasing calmness and enhancing energy in the home?

a.      _____________________________________________ 

b.      _____________________________________________

c.       _____________________________________________

(Hints: Colorful, alive, fluid) 

Good Luck!

Poetry Preview

A poem can be tricky if you don't know how to write one, and there are different poems one can learn in school. I enjoy writing poems and I always believed that my writing was good. As I was growing up, the few times my poems were evaluated, I was told they lacked the meter. I never understood what that meant, but that is because I neglected to find out what the meter had to do with poetry. I would write what I felt was understandable to me or what sounded good.

The following poems are various types Hayden (my son) experimented with during his English literature class. I am thrilled that my son studied writing poetry and that Hayden understands the process well enough to explain them to me. Though he was younger when he wrote these, he could still understand each method of poetry that he read in each of the examples below. Like my grandfather, Hayden studied poetry so he could write a poem properly.

My Grandfather Armando Figueroa would write poems during his off-time from his job as a court interpreter. He understood the many methods to make a poem complete and his notes to his family were beautiful. He was very intelligent and would read books on writing poetry. I believe that between Grandpa Figueroa, my son Hayden, and I writing is in our hearts and soul.

 Here are six examples of classic poem styles

Haiku
The rustic barked trees
Full of rich vibrant colors
Spring has come around

Tanka

Young Derek Jayden

Epic master of his craft
Ties his shoelaces
Mindset on the finish line
Eight Hundred meters begins

Lyric
There once was a big round lady
Who worked in the Navy?
Her weight made her not want to date
Because of the weight, she had to wait
And over that time of waiting,
She had lost some weight
Then she had several dates
And of those dates,
One determined her fate

Limerick
There was a dog named Susie
She was feeling a little woozy
She felt so sick
Because she ate a stick
Poor little old Susie

Free Verse

The rain comes
On the silent streets
It hits the ground
All over the city
On top of rooftops
The rain continues to splash.

Sonnet
Out of the Earth, a bud of life
Deep purple, small and delicate
Free from captivity and strife
Young buds rising intimate
Sweet morning breeze, it smells so great
So red the rose, so red and bright
A figment of beauty to grow and separate
Hypnotizing like a flash of light.
To grow for a while, only to go away
For always in my heart,
To think they won’t stay
They fall apart.
The Death of the Rose
Brings the birth of the bellows.