Never Say Never......

I had a close call this month. And the more I reflect on how this situation could possibly happen to me, the more I realize that this recession is simply kicking a lot of us in the butt.

As it turns out I find myself staring homelessness in the face never knowing if I'll have a place to stay from week to week. So far, I've managed to survive 6 weeks since my roommate took the rent money and left me with overdue utilities and a 5 day or quit notice. It has been intense to say the least. However, I've managed to get two part time jobs and a roommate to help me try to stay afloat. We'll have to see.

But in the meantime, I keep my eyes open for affordable housing just in case. And of course I have my favorite property management company Scottsdale Fine Properties conveniently bookmarked on my computer. I can peruse their website in search of luxury homes as well as nicer apartments and more. They can work quickly and I know will help me transition into a new to me home, should I need their services. It's a little comforting knowing they'll take are of me.

But for now, I take things one week at a time until my situation turns around financially. I am quickly learning the art of negotiation and barter. And it is fast becoming more and more pleasant. Perhaps the “thrill of the hunt?” Who knows? Aside from the finances, we're fed, warm, healthy, safe, dry and most of all loved. We will survive even if we do end up losing our home. Yet it still hurts knowing that I'm so close to losing something that I put so much money and effort into.

However amidst all the craziness, I keep certain values and principals in place, trying to make a warm and safe home for my children while still trying to help others who may be in the same boat as I am, even if it is only for this week. I still am decorating for Christmas and doing all the things people do in their homes. But this never knowing if I'll be able to come up with rent haunts me much in the same way a dull ache in the knee never quite lets you forget that it's there.

I find my faith shaken as I bundle up due to not having heat in my home. I try not to be angry nor bitter at my ex roommate while we bathe in cold water and hand wash our clothing in the bathtub. And I've missed a week of work due to car problems that prevent me from getting there. The same job I've had for only a week. The car problems are easy fixes and I will spend the next few days on threads and forums looking for ways to possibly repair it myself and hopefully save my job.

Yes, my faith is shaken indeed.

Please pray.

God Bless....sigh

Decorating With The Color Aqua

It seems that in addition to purples and lavenders being this year's hottest decorating colors, aqua has come back full swing. This soothing cross between blue and green was very popular in the 1950's and was found in painted walls, textiles and even heavier furniture pieces. But like many trends, the obsession with the color aqua didn't stop there. It was found on cars, clothing and on pretty much anything that had a color.

Today, decorating with the color aqua is a little different than it was back in the day. As you can see in the photos, a little goes a long way. Aqua can be used as an accent color to add a touch of softness as in the white bathroom pictured on the right. If you're going to use aqua on the walls, try painting a focal wall first before painting the entire room. Then accent with pillows or vases to bring the color throughout the room. If you feel you would like to add more color, you can always paint more walls starting with the wall opposite the focal wall. If a more modern look is your style, you'll be happy to know that aqua works very well with black or chocolate brown. In fact, there is blog dedicated to the color combination of aqua and brown. It's called Chocolate Blues. But aqua isn't just for modern décor. It works well with cottage and shabby chic themed design as well as luxury or glamorous décor as well.

Another upside of decorating with aqua is that it is a lighter color and reflects light rather well. This means that it will work well with very small rooms and tight spaces. To create the illusion of even more space along with luxury, try using the color aqua with mirrored surfaces and silver items. The effect is stunning! For a fresh mix of color add touches of salmon or melon. The possibilities are numerous.

Proper lighting as I've said so many times before is key when decorating. The wrong lighting fixtures or bulbs can make all the difference between a cold, sterile environment and a welcoming and cozy home. And when decorating with specific colors, great lighting is essential. When looking for lighting be sure to take a look at my favorite lighting store Premier Lighting at shoppremier.com. They have everything you can imagine for any of your lighting needs. The prices are very reasonable, the people know their stuff and they ship almost everywhere!

So you have your awesome aqua décor. Soothing, calming and soooo relaxing. You have your amazing lighting creating the moooood. Now all you need is something cozy to curl up on and either a remote, a book, a drink or whatever you prefer. But for now, take a look at the pics for some ideas.

Namaste & God Bless
Angelica

My New Life In The Valley.........

It’s still hot outside even though the desert sun is touching the tips of the Phoenix Valley’s mountains. I on the other hand am cool due to the car’s air conditioning. I look out the window of the car as it smoothly passes the occasional buildings, road signs and towns. My roommate is driving. We are on our way to see B.B. King in concert, something I have always wanted to do. I wonder to myself if I would have taken this opportunity had I stayed in Payson.

Many people have told me that there is always something to do in the valley and while I never doubted that statement being true, I just never thought that I would take advantage of what the Valley has to offer. I suppose it is because I consider myself a private person and have a tendency to be a homebody. Yet, in the short month that I’ve been here, I’ve tried two new restaurants, my son has been to a newly opened skate park and now I am on my way to see a music legend. Here in the Valley, there really is no reason to be bored and “finding” something to do is hardly a challenge. I find myself wanting to try this place or that. When friends ask if I’ve been to certain places, I say no but become intrigued as I learn more about the place.

Adapting to desert living has hardly been an effort at all and my two teens have acclimated nicely. While it is indeed hot outside, I’ve hardly felt the heat. Central air conditioning in my new home, my car and virtually every public building keeps me comfortable. Even the schools are completely enclosed and air conditioned. Just like with any climate, people adjust. People in Alaska have adapted to 6 months of darkness. Residents of Seattle are accustomed to rainy weather. And in the Phoenix area, living in the desert is actually desirable.

Moving to the valley from Payson was easy once I decided to do it, thanks to the help of real estate agents like those at Scottsdale Fine Properties. Somehow things just run more smoothly when you enlist in the help of professionals who know what they’re doing. A simple phone call, let them know what you’re looking for and all you need to worry about is……well….you don’t have to worry about anything! Ha ha! Moving has never been easier.

Well, the concert was amazing. B.B. King even at his age put on a great show, and his band was nothing less of fabulous. This was one of those events in your life that you just don’t forget. The drive to Tucson was a little over a couple hours from my new home and perhaps if I had decided to stay in Payson, I wouldn’t have made the trip.

It can be very nice leaving your comfort zone……….

Namaste & God Bless,

Angelica

It's All About The Lighting

When it comes to setting the mood in a home, one of the key elements is lighting. You can have the perfect shade of paint, the best furnishings and all the best home décor. But when it comes down to it, lighting can make all the difference between a cold, harsh environment or a welcoming and soothing home.

If your home doesn't have a lot of windows, try placing mirrors strategically, to reflect the natural light that is available. A collection of mirrors (such as antique) can create a collage effect, with movement and of course, natural light. One large mirror can not only bring in a lot of natural light, but can also help in making a small room appear larger. To avoid a “sterile” look, try draping the frame with a flowered vine or even a fringed shawl. TIP: If you decide to use mirrors to bring in natural light, try NOT to put them directly opposite doorways. Some consider it bad chi which simply means the energy that is meant to be brought in and flowed throughout the area, will be immediately repelled back out.

In addition to mirrors, natural lighting can be reflected by placing reflective items throughout the room. This keeps energy flowing which is great for chi. Silver and chrome are ideal, but other metallic surfaces work well too. Items such as vases, picture frames, and sculptures reflect light and add a bit of glamor as well.

But what happens when the sun goes down? How do you create a homey environment without natural lighting? Artificial lighting of course! And while pretty much everyone has it, how it's used takes a little more planning. I use fluorescent lighting throughout most of my home. This has saved a LOT of money on the power bill but I was faced with the challenge of that harsh “office” feel. To create the warmth of tungsten lighting I changed my lampshades to a warm gold or other color that was complimentary to the room's theme. The glow that is cast is warm and soothing not to mention welcoming.

Lampshades aren't the only way to counter the harsh lighting of florescent lighting. If you have glass overhead globes, replace them with slightly creamy colored ones. There are even florescent bulbs that work with dimmers. For the bathroom, vanity bulbs are available frosted which makes the lighting just perfect for applying makeup. If you're in the market for lighting or anything that has to do with lighting, stop in and say hi to my friends at shoppremier.com. They are the end all and be all of lighting. From fixtures, to bulbs, to accessories, to parts, they have it. Everyone treats you like family and they're all pretty knowledgeable about lighting. If you'd rather shop in person, they have locations in Glendale, Tucson, Phoenix and they just opened a new store in Scottsdale. Stop by, check out their website or call.

Anyway, as usual, Ive included some pics. Hope you like them.

Namaste & God Bless,
Angelica

Scottsdale- Arizona's Beverly Hills

Scottsdale Arizona. Perhaps you've heard of it, perhaps you haven't. But for those looking to get away from cold, humidity and overcrowding, Scottsdale is the place to live. Known by many as the “Beverly Hills of Arizona”, this growing community boasts world class golf courses, excellent schools, amazing art galleries, exceptional dining and of course, luxurious living. It's no wonder why many celebrities such as Danica Patrick, Wayne Gretzky, Lou Rawls and dozens of others have chosen Scottsdale as their home town.

And if you think about it, this is the best time to relocate. With the economy being less than great, screaming deals can be made on luxury real estate. Are the prices still a bit too steep? Well, there are tons of high end properties available in other areas in Phoenix and surrounding areas. Many of these homes have a lot of upgrades, are in great neighborhoods. With an average of only 2 weeks of rain per year, Arizona is the perfect place to call home.

When you're ready to start looking, or even if you're just considering moving, check out ScottsdaleFineProperties.com They're a fabulous real estate team who specialize in luxury estates and relocation services and still cater to the average family who simply wants to be treated like royalty. They have decades of experience and can help you get into your dream home as seamlessly as possible. They've been featured in magazines and have even won several awards.

So just what does the Scottsdale and Phoenix area have in regards to entertainment and activities? Well for the outdoor enthusiast, there is hiking, camping, and a variety of lake activities. For those who enjoy city life, there is fine dining, world class golfing, art galleries, shopping, night clubs, concerts and theater. For those who love sports, we have the Arizona Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Suns. Winter skiing is only a little over an hour away. With so much to do and with such wonderful weather, perhaps you can understand why I chose to make the Phoenix area my home.

Summer's About Here and It's Time For New Ceiling Fans!

If you've been following this blog, you're already familiar with my ongoing remodeling project. And if you're familiar with remodeling at all, you understand that it never seems to end. Sigh.... Anyway, with summer right around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to upgrade my ceiling fans. However being in a remote location prevents me from just running down the street to a local lighting store. This mean I do a LOT of online shopping. I've found that not only do I love the convenience of having whatever I like delivered to my door, but there is a very large selection at my fingertips.

So in my quest for the perfect ceiling fans, I surfed onto shoppremier.com Not only did the site and images load fast but there were several different ways to shop. I won't go into it here, you just need to check it out yourself. They have over 2300 ceiling fans! Actually, they have a large variety of other lighting needs too, including parts and light bulbs. I was also pleasantly surprised that their prices were very reasonable. If it has to do with lighting, they have it. Even table lamps! How cool is that?

Okay, speaking of ceiling fans, have you ever been a little befuddled as to which way to direct the air? I've researched for sometime, and it seems that what it comes down to is to have the air directed downward during the summer, and upward in the winter. Which direction the blades turn will depend on which direction (or pitch) the blades are turned. While this seems simple enough, it took me quite some time to figure this out. Some “authorities” said the fan needs to turn clockwise (it would look counter clockwise if you stand underneath the fan and look up), but that didn't work for me. It seems the fan blades were angled differently. Soooo basically, just have the air blow down...like how you want the temperature. In the winter, you want the temperature up, so just set the fan to draw the air upwards.

Now if you have very tall ceilings, it may not be such a great idea to run a ceiling fan at all during the summer. The reason for this is that heat rises, and if you have ceilings that are over 10 feet tall, all that hot air is sitting at the ceiling level. Why would anyone want to blow that downward and onto themselves? Just a crazy thought. That hot air would be blowing downward into the living area of air and the a/c would have to work twice as hard to cool that big of a room......hmmmm.

Anyway, I'm posting a few of my personal favorites of the ceiling fans......

Namaste & God Bless,

Angelica

It's All About Purple

The Color Purple. Aside from being a wonderful movie, the color was once a symbol of royalty and status. For thousands of years, only the elite could afford purple fabric to wear. And for ions, flags bearing the crests of kings were proudly displayed. And in 2010, it is the hottest color for interior design.

In my research, and with this season's hottest decor trend colors being soothing lavenders and comforting plums, I came across a LOT of interior designs using various shades of purple. Quite honestly, so many of them were just amazing. There really is no limit where interior design is concerned and this year, purple has sparked the creativity of so many wonderful designers. This has taken design and décor to new levels.

However, actually using the color purple used to tighten the gut of even the most experienced of traditionalists. But rest assured, that it really isn't difficult at all. If however, you are still a bit leery using purple, there are several things you can do to update your home décor without completely remodeling. Try using neutral colors for walls and on larger pieces of furniture, then add purple accessories. This could easily be done by adding throw pillows, pictures, draperies or vases. This way if you want to change your décor in a year or two, it's very easy to do. If you're feeling a little more daring, try painting one wall. Painting even one wall can make a big difference in a room. Complete the look by adding the accessories.

As with most décor, it truly is about color and mood. If you happen to look at examples online, you'll notice that there are several different looks. Some are more formal, some are modern. Some of the examples have just a touch of purple, while others are completely saturated. Ask yourself what you feel when you view each picture. Does it appear relaxing? Is it playful? Perhaps it seems moody, or maybe luxurious? But the most important question to ask yourself is “What mood do I want to create in this room for myself, family and visitors?” These are questions that should help you to determine which hue would be best for you. For instance, if you are looking for a soothing environment, electric purple on all four walls would most likely not be recommended. However, a muted plum on a focal wall with complimentary accessories may be better suited.

So if you're looking to update your décor in this season's latest trend, consider various shades of purple. It's a wonderful change outside the interior decorating box and it's very suitable for any room inside or outside the house.

Just My Opinion......About The Arizona Illegal Immigrant Law

Today I was reading the news online....you know, just to make sure the world wasn't about to blow up or something and kept coming across the same subject. Arizona's tough illegal immigrant law. Not being a fan of politics for reasons I won't go into here, I decided to research the subject to see what the ruckus was all about.

What I discovered was that Arizona recently passed a new law that enables police to arrest “day workers” and heavily penalize those who hire them. For my friends in other countries, “day workers” are people who have entered the US illegally and are attempting to obtain work for the day. They usually stand on the street corners, most of the time in groups, waiting for an employer who will hire them for whatever job they need, but do not wish to pay fair wages. So they hire these illegal immigrants at slave's wages. This is an illegal activity that the US government has dragged their feet in helping to eliminate for decades. This drives an underground economy that takes fair work away from our citizens, and allows employers to bypass laws. In addition, many illegal immigrants have been here so long, that they have had children and grandchildren who are legal citizens. These children are now entitled to government assistance in the form of housing, food, money and education. Since our government has limited resources, this has caused a financial strain in an already strained system.

This new law will enable law enforcement to check for proper identification when performing their duties among other details. It will also heavily penalize employers who hire these illegal immigrants. This law is to take effect this summer.

Personally I don't see what the big deal is. It's illegal to be in the US without proper paperwork....just like in any other country...this law only enforces it. These people who are illegal already know they're here illegally. They took the chance, risked arrest and deportation when they came over. I do not understand their feeling of entitlement. While I think the circumstances from which they came from may be horrible, that does not mean that it's okay to break laws and then demand the same rights as those of us who were born in the US. Arizona has simply picked up the ball that the federal government dropped.

Some people have complained that this law will spark racial profiling. Personally who really cares? I will proudly show my identification and that of my children to any law enforcement person if asked for. I mean that's what “identification” is....hellooooo! It's required pretty much everywhere in the world so why should it be different here? I'm not saying to be bullied or anything, but if I'm getting stopped for a headlight out or speeding, I would not be the least bit offended if they asked all the people in my car to provide identification.

I'm not saying to close the borders for crying out loud, just go through the proper channels like everyone is supposed to. Unfortunately so many people have turned the other way when illegal immigration was a little problem that now it's become a major problem. And illegal immigrants know that the system is faulted and painfully slow. They know that if they have a kid or two that the US won't know how to deal with it and so just look the other way. And it also seems that as long as it didn't hurt anyone that they knew (they being the people who had the power to stop it then) they didn't care about whether or not it would hurt all of us in the long run. Now that we're in a recession and we're all affected, now it's a huge problem. With so many Americans out of work, losing their homes and turning to the government for assistance, everyone's running around in a panic like it's the first time they're heard about it. WTH?

Wake up people! Now don't get stupid and start hating, just understand that there ARE a few leaders who are willing to do what they can to finally deal with this even though the US government is humming and hawing over this. Support them. They're looking out for us, our jobs and our children so why not say thanks? They're taking a stand when others won't. That takes guts. Just support them. And if someone disagrees, who cares? It's okay for people to disagree, but it's not okay to hate, it's not okay to turn it into a racial issue and it's not okay to break the law.......

I don't claim to have all the answers....but I do believe that with so many different people with so many viewpoints, real solutions can be created. Maybe not perfect solutions, but tolerable by most...there will always be those who have an all or nothing attitude...there will always be those who can only see things their way and unfortunately, they usually have the loudest voices.....but there HAS to be a way....cause doing nothing is the worst thing anyone can do and so far that hasn't worked has it? Cause now it's all a huge mess.......

And just in case you want to know exactly what the new law says....

http://www.russellpearce.com/
Under the "legislation" tab simply select the bill....read it for yourself.

I'm adding some random non-related pics....just because
Namaste & God Bless
Angelica

Hairstyle Trend Spring & Summer 2010: The Boho Braid

This summer the latest rage for hair is the Boho braid. It's a fresh and casual braid (or two) that wraps around the head and can be worked to leave the ends free and tousled, pinned or made into a bun. The key is to have the hair look just a little free and not too structured. This style works best for medium length to long hair because the hair needs to be pulled all the way from one side of the head and worked into the braid. I also think it's even better for ladies with multi colored hair because the style really shows off all the dimensions of color. The braid is worked somewhat loosely, in a similar manner as that of a French braid. The braid can be worked alone and on the side of the head, using hair from the entire head or made from two braids and worked along the sides. I have also seen smaller versions that are worked along the hairline from one side to the other with the rest of the hair left loose. The result is similar to that of a headband. You can also try working it as a twist instead of a braid. There really is no limit as to how to wear a Boho braid. Just be sure to keep a few key points in mind.

• Work from one side to the other.

• Do not work the braid too tightly. The look is deliberately casual.

• Spray your hairbrush thoroughly before beginning. Brush through and work just before the spray sets. This gives the hair more manageability.

• This is one of those hairstyles that will take you from day to evening with little effort or touch up.

• The Boho Braid is easy to do and stays in place fairly well.

• The variety of this hairstyle lets you obtain several different looks while still keeping the same haircut.

• This hairstyle is suitable for any age....literally!

Have fun!Try a few different variations to see which works best for your personal style. It works especially well with front layering and even can be worn with bangs. I'm attaching some pics so you can see a few different variations. Enjoy!

Namaste & God Bless,

Angelica