Something That Helps Me Eat Healthier & It's Pretty

 

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We all know eating more fruits and vegetables is good for us, but how many of us eat as many as we should in one day? 

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Source: tumblr.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Eating healthy  is not as easy for some of us as it is for others. I think we all have to find our own methods that will work to promote better health.

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………What I Do……….

Being such a visual person I have found something that has worked well for me.

I get fresh organic produce delivered to my home. It is all locally grown and fresh. I have found new vegetables that I normally do not eat. It is just a treat and a healthy treat at that to get it delivered.

Once I get my box I plan that nights dinner around the fresh veggies in the box in order to use them at their freshest.

Make It Visually Appealing

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(sorry I could not resist, I would do this for a party, but not on an every day basis!)

But I do this on an everyday basis…….

I like to keep bowls out on my tray on the kitchen counter of fresh fruit and veggies. This helps me  throughout the day, and I will be reminded to grab some fruit, or veggies for my snack.

This is what works for me. I know it won’t for everyone, but if you are like me you are always looking for ways to improve your quality of life.

Source: tumblr.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

What You Might Find On My Kitchen Counter:

• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Grapes
• Orange slices
• Small grape tomatoes
• Assorted Heirloom tomatoes
• Celery placed in ice water
• Almonds
• Walnuts

I try to display them in a pleasing way to make them more appealing, and decorative. Trust me this is an easy thing to do , or I would not be doing it!

 I like to have this out when I have overnight guest. This allows them to feel like they can always grab a snack.

What do You All Do?

Do you have any creative ways to help yourself in eating better that is visually appealing? Please share any tid-bits in the comments. It is always so helpful to get feedback from YOU all!!

“Enjoy The Process!” Of:

Getting creative with food.

 

Are You Comfortable Mixing Design Styles?

 

Is it possible for a Traditionalist  to really like modern pieces, and make them work in their home? Two styles at the opposite ends of the spectrum, how can this work?!

This is the question that I wanted to pose in today’s blog post after reading Joni’s post the other day on the evolution of Sally Wheat’s lovely home. 

It shows the evolution of a designers style, and how she ends up with a room that reflects her true design aesthetics.

Sally Wheat’s Living Room

Evolution……

Source: cotedetexas.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: cotedetexas.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: cotedetexas.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: cotedetexas.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

What struck me when reading this post is:

How many of us have loved a particular element, but will only  look at it from afar,thinking that it could never fit in our personal design aesthetic?

It made me realize I need to revisit some of the more contemporary pieces I have loved with more of an open mind.

???????????????Question???????????????

If we love a piece that we think won’t work in our existing home décor , what should we do about it?

Solution

1.  Gather images of pieces that you have loved for a

      long time that you have dismissed because you

      think they would not work in your existing design.

2.  Look at the shape, and the material in the piece to

     see if it has any common ground with existing

     finishes or shapes in your home.

 

 3.  Think about where the piece  would fulfill a need.

4.  Look at your existing pieces to see which ones

     could be  replaced by the new piece.

EXAMPLES

I thought I would show you a piece that is contemporary that I have looked at from afar.  I really like  these two pieces even though my home is more on the traditional side…………

Source: dwellstudio.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: cb2.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Each of the above coffee tables are contemporary in their lines. I have looked at the CB2 table for a few years, and continue to gravitate towards it for my living room. 

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I have plans for a seating area in my living room with four chairs around a round coffee table. Both of the above tables would fulfill a need for that room.

The Carrera top would be a perfect tie-in with the marble entry floor that I now have……..

Source: goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I would change out the silver base of the table for an antiqued gold finish as in the first image.

Source: goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

The antique gold finish would go with the existing sconces that are in the room.

This  contemporary table could work on every level:

1.  Love the  round shape and clean lines of these

     contemporary pieces.

    

2.  They both would fulfill the need for a coffee table

      in my plans for my living room.

3. The finishes are a good tie-in too my existing décor

    that I plan on keeping.

Lesson Learned:

• By keeping an open mind when looking at “All” good design a whole new world can open up for you!

• Do you have a piece in the back of your mind that you love, but have always felt would not work for one reason or the other in your existing home?

Maybe it is time for you to revisit it with fresh eyes!

 

How To Use Trends Without Looking Too Trendy

   

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We all love to add a new trend to our homes once-in-awhile. How  can we add something that is trendy without looking like we jumped on the trend train in full force, and over did it?

Use the trend with restraint!

 Today I would like to talk about one particular trend that is being seen in home interiors as well as fashion is, bright pops of color. 

The reason I am choosing this trend, is because all of us can add this easily to our existing designs in our homes.

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Personally I am glad to see the design world getting away from the all white/neutral interiors.

 As serene as a neutral color scheme  can be, a bright pop of color is always welcomed in our world. 

The above image shows a neutral room with a pop of green. The room comes alive!

Source: mlinteriordesign.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

(Pops of color are brought in with pillows, and sunflowers.)

Yesterday as I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Isabella & Max Rooms, by the lovely Janell. In her post she showed how a pop of color can totally change the look of a room.

Janell is a wonderful designer, and DIY'er. She has the ability to do makeovers that always improve the look, and feel of her home on a budget in such creative ways.

This particular vignette is on her sideboard in her dining area. Notice the wall behind the sideboard, she stenciled that herself. That alone gave this room a Wow! factor, but she takes it a step further by adding a bit of color……….. 

I love the pop of turquoise used here. Notice the touches of Spring, a bird cage, and two little brass birds that echo the brass in the hardware on the console table. 

This already looks great, but Janell is a creative spirit, and took it a step further…………….

A bright pop of a coral/pink is added to the birdcage. Now this vignette becomes elevated to a whole other level.

?What can we all learn from this?

By adding one contrasting, or complimentary color in small, restrained doses, our homes can look fresh and current.

How can we apply this technique in our own homes?

1. Take a look around your home, and think of the

    color families you have in your rooms.

    

2. Choose an existing color you already have in your

    home, and look at some of the brighter values of

    that color.

3. Choose a new accent color,  and make it brighter

    than you would usually use in your home.

4. Select an element you can apply the color. Don't

    forget the use of bright flowers or fruit. Bright 

    natural elements in any room will bring life to a

    room.

Source: willowdecor.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

   

Have fun with it and remember just a pop of color will not only brighten your room, but I think it just might put a smile on your face!