Cleaning Mirrors

We love mirrors!  Mirrors over fireplace mantles, console tables, buffets and chests, framed mirrors in bathrooms and even over headboards.  Mirrors are used to reflect your surroundings, make a room appear larger and to complete a room.  Cleaning mirrors is not always easy.  You want to keep mirrors looking dust free and with a shine.  You also want to be careful not to damage frames with harsh chemicals.  Here are some tips:  Get a spray bottle, fill it with a mixture of distilled water and a small amount of vinegar.  Use a clean paint brush to dust frame first.  Never, ever spray mirror directly.  Spray  your mixture of water and vinegar on a clean cloth and start wiping.  The trick is not to let any water or chemicals run down your frame, this will in time cause damage to your frame.  For a better shine, you can finish wiping with a small sheet of newspaper.  Following these tips will guarantee your mirrors will look beautiful for a lifetime!

Lighting and Atmosphere

Working with lighting is very important.  If you are building,
remodeling, or just adding some additional lighting; things
you will need to consider will be cost, placement and effectiveness.
Here are some tips:  Light fixtures do not have to be very expensive, but they must be beautiful.  Never sacrifice quality to save a little money.  Invest well in this area, your lighting choices can make or break a room.  Distribute light in several areas of your rooms, at least in a triangle to start, this will give you balance of light.  Add dimmers to chandeliers, wall sconces, and recessed lights too!  Dimmers will create ambience and set a mood.  Place lamps on buffets, console tables and chests with mirrors behind them.  The lamps will reflect light off the mirror for additional soft lighting.  Remember to consider adding chandeliers over bath tubs, vanities and dressing closets as well.  To finish your total look add shades to chandeliers and wall sconces.  I like neutral shades and I bring color in other areas.  Follow these tips and you will have success.  Have fun!

Garden and Patio

Gardening is a stress reliever!  When I am stressed, thats where you will find me.  Part of my stress is that I work so much and I don't have time for gardening.  When I do take the time, the reward is enjoying the beautiful flowers, plants and herbs that are blooming all around my patio!  It is hard to keep up with sometimes, but I found short cuts along the way to make it easier on me.
Here are some tips: Planters are good for flowers, plants and herbs.  Place them on patios, front porches, and balconies.  Group them in sets of 2 and 3, they look so much better in clusters.  Buy more if you need to and mix them with planters you already have, its worth the investment.  If you are a wanna be green thumb like I am but not so good with the exotic plants, try leaving the plants in their original containers. Place them in your urns and planters. Cover them with moss, mulch or bark.   By leaving them in their original containers, you can remove them easily when the season is over or they just didn't make it.  Several hardware stores and garden nurseries in my area will replace free of charge any dying plants that didn't survive for up to a year with a receipt.  Check your area for the same service.  Have fun and watch your garden bloom!