tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74851789098070950372024-03-05T17:26:24.529-05:00HouseZenGarden.comIdeas and inspiration for home and gardenM. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-88701914579424459492018-02-13T20:30:00.000-05:002018-02-08T11:06:34.868-05:00A Simple Secret to a Great Day <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvK-b9u4KUtL6jeCOTGplSko-jrwraNBFSKS0RGQl_-m0M_M6nl061w4q8DUbEkCDCIcTUL9aMMD3-BESbYIWN2KE9hOCYftXSRhB7DdRslo7o1qr9KfTavqiBcmijX03zt8KvnswxyY/s1600/woman-2617836_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvK-b9u4KUtL6jeCOTGplSko-jrwraNBFSKS0RGQl_-m0M_M6nl061w4q8DUbEkCDCIcTUL9aMMD3-BESbYIWN2KE9hOCYftXSRhB7DdRslo7o1qr9KfTavqiBcmijX03zt8KvnswxyY/s400/woman-2617836_640.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Enjoy a successful Walk </span></a></td></tr>
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What is success to you? Is it to be the 'Top 10' in something or to own an estate, yacht or the newest/greatest something? Or, is it to finally take a walk with your dog? </span></h3>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yesterday on my morning walk, I was thinking about the podcast <a href="http://www.goodlifeproject.com/saying-yes-or-no-mindfulness-research/?t=radio">"The Goodlife Project" </a>that discussed an interesting concept. The concept is to ask yourself as you start your day - "<i>What does success do</i>?"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My goal of success one day was to write 3 blog posts in the morning. I asked myself "what would success do?" It's a simple way to keep focus on the really important things to do. No checking e-mails every 2 minutes. No responding to anything else but what is in front of you. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Instead of being stressed by my goal, it actually freed me to concentrate. Once done with my goal, I select another goal that means 'success' to me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What's your goal? Can you see yourself trying to focus on one thing at a time today, this week or this month? </span><br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-3781583820948896762018-02-10T16:32:00.000-05:002018-02-10T16:32:10.626-05:00A Short Story and Insights From a Successful Bathroom Renovation<span style="color: #0c343d;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdIjuygHPcTiLcIwAC2sjk2h0FaG2d2POF0AxLAbz5t1dx7sBxV-ekqN8_sa3r0ZsngoIDMINLua70TO5Dhv4SkLFAbwOpaJQaBOFrCdkFtbU-O3K1qoXZKbmM-6mJRFpFLfChYw5tSk/s1600/Brass+port+hole+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdIjuygHPcTiLcIwAC2sjk2h0FaG2d2POF0AxLAbz5t1dx7sBxV-ekqN8_sa3r0ZsngoIDMINLua70TO5Dhv4SkLFAbwOpaJQaBOFrCdkFtbU-O3K1qoXZKbmM-6mJRFpFLfChYw5tSk/s320/Brass+port+hole+window.jpg" width="278" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Photo courtesy of House Beautiful</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nearly a decade after losing her husband in a plane crash, my client decided to start a new renovation project. I had always admired her spirit, her let's-get-this-done attitude and her decision to forge on with her life. This was the second project working with my client and I looked forward to this next adventure.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I remember the tiny powder room and how we chose a particular item to make the tiny room both memorable and fun. Since the room was windowless and had no special charm of its own, I suggested we add a 'window' of sorts.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We decided to use a boat port hole window, perfect for the location of the house which is on a canal and minutes from the ocean. We mounted the port hole window high to protect privacy for those who entered. On the other side of the powder room's port hole wall was a hallway wall. But the surprise was that when the powder room's light was on, it also gave the outside hall a bit of character with its brass finish and classic design. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was not the only room that has a story in her home. But, it just shows that if you look a little further, try a little harder and take a chance - you might discover treasure where there was none before. </span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design</span></em><br />
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<em><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">bestdesigncoach.com</span></a></em>M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-72789865712009957392018-02-08T20:00:00.000-05:002018-02-08T20:00:19.675-05:00Here is my favorite Way to change my Mood in an Instant <em><b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Need a winter boost? Add a touch of Spring with white tulips for your desk or dining table.</span></b></em><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPByAbClm-liIB2D_YCuUBrrMpSeo7pMU-KiQaf8cY7plrEBTFNrbc6prBBmAaRUU3H6Xu_DIKvHOIC5wJ4jueNb1ZLkyrmuQ51FEtpVB54tEhpVbg4tbKRYGiZKRwqDx_p_bXzY1b6G4/s1600/Table+setting+with+White+Tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPByAbClm-liIB2D_YCuUBrrMpSeo7pMU-KiQaf8cY7plrEBTFNrbc6prBBmAaRUU3H6Xu_DIKvHOIC5wJ4jueNb1ZLkyrmuQ51FEtpVB54tEhpVbg4tbKRYGiZKRwqDx_p_bXzY1b6G4/s320/Table+setting+with+White+Tulips.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=670&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=uG0QDqRx9ND5wM:&imgrefurl=http://liventhingsup.blogspot.com/2011/11/natures-bounty-tablescapes.html&docid=tgm3Ufth65EQqM&imgurl=http://blog.arcadianlighting.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/1-Nature-Tablescapes.jpg&w=500&h=344&ei=h3I-T6qgGuLH0AGcu_3hBw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=966&vpy=223&dur=9959&hovh=186&hovw=271&tx=190&ty=112&sig=115571599837698086111&page=4&tbnh=147&tbnw=201&start=75&ndsp=23&ved=0CP4DEK0DMGE"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Set a few flowers to set your mood for the day</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you need a late winter lift, rest your eyes on a bouquet of flowers like the ones above. White tulips are always a pure, simple way to add classic beauty to your home. Like good design, they are always in style.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span><br />
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<a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">housezengarden.com</span></a>M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-19138021569955631252018-01-28T19:30:00.000-05:002018-01-28T19:30:30.571-05:005 Easy Ways to Become Healthier this Year<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaaaaGGKYJtRybXLUeNKQvosJ_IzqS1YcgLicdBhe-AhIu-fahqcv80I3PWZk6d0Bz_PFLT9tMDkZPhkeKxQ3PWVPXj5u4eMP-_xtWnBOjOGMKrXdUwVebDoGl6rqXLdPBCaP87qwtnE/s1600/Blog+green+vegetables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaaaaGGKYJtRybXLUeNKQvosJ_IzqS1YcgLicdBhe-AhIu-fahqcv80I3PWZk6d0Bz_PFLT9tMDkZPhkeKxQ3PWVPXj5u4eMP-_xtWnBOjOGMKrXdUwVebDoGl6rqXLdPBCaP87qwtnE/s400/Blog+green+vegetables.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.health.com/weight-loss">Health Magazine</a> </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>A Healthy Home = A Healthy Life</u></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It may be part of the new year, but if
you’re like me, you’re thinking of going more ‘green’ at home and with your
diet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Where to begin? Here are 5 ways we are
updating our home and our menu this year:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Instead
of using a ‘caustic’ cleanser, clean porcelain floors with a mixture using <a href="https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-porcelain-tile/#.Wm4xtainHIU">white
vinegar</a> and water with a drop of detergent (non-caustic). </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">We are decreasing our use of plastic. This means instead of water bottles of plastic, we will use our filtered water in a glass container. Also, we are changing to the use of glass for storing food vs. plastic bags.</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This year we’ll install an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/American-Plumber-WLCS-1000-Under-Sink-Filter/dp/B005C41MH4/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1517159327&sr=1-4&keywords=American+Plumber+WLCS-1000+water+filter#customerReviews">under counter water filtration system</a>. The American Plumber WLCS-1000 will decrease the contaminants often found in local water supply systems.</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Our microwave will be quieter than usual. According to one of my new books, <i>The Paleo</i> C<i>ardiologist</i> and also an article by Dr. Joseph Mercola on <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/microwave-cancer_b_684662.html">Huffington Post</a> it’s suggested that foods that are microwaved may create high levels of electromagnetic fields in your kitchen and may cause issues with the heart (according to Dr. Magda Havas of Trent University.)</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Since starting to follow the <a href="https://blog.bulletproof.com/bulletproof-cooking-kitchen-prep-guidelines/">Bulletproof Diet</a> plan, we now eat more organic greens and protein. No need to consume greens or proteins hampered by pesticides. Just the thought of pesticides affects my appetite!</span></li>
</ul>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>732 690-2030</strong></span></span></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></span></span></em><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>Interior Design - Ocean and Monmouth County and Metropolitan New Jersey, CT and NYC</i></span><br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0New Jersey 39.909736234537192 -74.5312515.269613734537192 -115.839844 64.5498587345372 -33.222656tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-28129320533971929962018-01-14T13:16:00.000-05:002018-01-28T17:13:42.720-05:00Are you Exhausted and Need some Inspiration?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKCdvexlMwagEJREazZz4p8XoBHE_5ea30sLTSWS2ssctSpVrYjnd0USct9r3FqIjPfPfqY8LfxcT6Ggj6LDHDNDbQtEPL12FP1YLeuLeJPQ5n_ypEUDr8nwFzQ7s7ICHzUSeOc8Vnu0/s1600/HZG+1+14+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKCdvexlMwagEJREazZz4p8XoBHE_5ea30sLTSWS2ssctSpVrYjnd0USct9r3FqIjPfPfqY8LfxcT6Ggj6LDHDNDbQtEPL12FP1YLeuLeJPQ5n_ypEUDr8nwFzQ7s7ICHzUSeOc8Vnu0/s400/HZG+1+14+2018.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #073763;">Are You and Your Home suffering from Post-Holiday Syndrome? </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">After the holidays, it's hard to get that pizzazz that your home had with all the holiday decorations. It may look empty, dull and lackluster. Besides being exhausted with everything, your home and you may need some pampering. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chances are a hint of spring, a touch of color (not green and red) could put you back on track. (Mark your calendar for the <a href="https://theflowershow.com/">Philadelphia Flower Show</a>, March 3 to 11th). </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Try adding <a href="http://shopterrain.com/">flowers </a>like tulips to your breakfast table. Or, re-arrange your coffee table and add some new <a href="http://housebeautiful.com/">magazines</a> to get you inspired. </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Remove all the accessories in your Living Room and then replace them, but <i>not</i> all of them. Your room will look cleaner, simpler and it doesn't cost a penny. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Still not ready? Some of my clients call me for quick re-starts in their homes. A fresh eye may be all you need to set you right. </span></i><br />
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0New Jersey34.597041516144166 -76.99218759.9569185161441673 -118.3007815 59.237164516144162 -35.6835935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-60752480149122987472017-12-27T10:03:00.001-05:002017-12-27T21:23:34.489-05:00Need Post Holiday Inspiration? Do This ...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooM0KOJivPNwIgt6QDH8FH-IyWrCxlm9k7yah5b0elfg79DhbmQ207BlHXbyPMBzc0DdAqaVw46YmGxoXma0bL2VITND6C6BxICqqXsOHZtN_KcUUMk7XiFDc7-Kp0W1ZoSYDvA-zUHg/s1600/Lavallette+New+Jersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooM0KOJivPNwIgt6QDH8FH-IyWrCxlm9k7yah5b0elfg79DhbmQ207BlHXbyPMBzc0DdAqaVw46YmGxoXma0bL2VITND6C6BxICqqXsOHZtN_KcUUMk7XiFDc7-Kp0W1ZoSYDvA-zUHg/s400/Lavallette+New+Jersey.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">A walk in the cold beats reading e-mails any day!</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What's the real Truth about your Holiday?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">The holidays can take a toll on more than our pocketbooks. It's supposed to be a fun and engaging time. But for many, it's stress upon stress. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The stress might be from your family, your weight gain or from lack of exercise or money.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Instead of just complaining about the stress, you could invent a way to bring back some real joy or enthusiasm in your life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span>
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<h3>
<span style="color: #073763;">Here are a few things I've done lately to restore my spirit:</span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A daily walk changes your mood instantly - try at least a 30 minute walk</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Read books that speak to you and your interests - see what I'm reading now below</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Listen to a podcast that gives you inspiration - I listened to 'Good Life Podcast' this morning and it's content was so interesting hearing the Power of Habit author, Charles Duhigg</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Decide on a habit you'd like to start or change - less or better food, less alcohol or more exercise</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">List in your mind all the things you are thankful for at the start of the day</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #073763;">What I'm reading now that you may enjoiy too:</span></h3>
<span style="color: #073763;">"The Four Hour Workweek" by </span><a href="https://tim.blog/tim-ferriss-books/">Timothy Ferriss </a><span style="color: #073763;"> - great to get you back on a good track </span><i style="color: #073763;">soon</i><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0782ZRM32/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1">"Architecture to Construction" by Paul D. Rugarber </a> - must read for my clients who are building a new home ($2.99 is a small price to pay for a book on Kindle!)</span><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Presidents-Club-Paines-Century/dp/0595517897"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></a>
<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Presidents-Club-Paines-Century/dp/0595517897">"The Dead Presidents Club" </a>by Harris Baseman - very interesting, especially if you like stories on leaders of countries (i. e. The Crown)</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/david.gikandi">"A Happy Pocket Full of Money"</a> by David Cameron Gikandi and Bob Doyle" - reading a paragraph a day could be all you need now </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="https://www.thedrswolfson.com/">"The Paleo Cardiologist" by Jack Wolfson</a>, DO FACC - suggested to me by my son <a href="http://www.ocdfit.com/">Chris Lupo</a> and his wife, Lisa. If Chris says to do this - it's the approach I'll take to be and stay healthy for a long time. </span><br />
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-5981737458985931342017-12-04T08:56:00.000-05:002017-12-04T08:57:15.646-05:00Do the holidays put you into High Gear or Neutral?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFGet_aE8WurgBr4jbj8oZtFAApgoBdIXbqaMas21J8pFpao_SmqHkfmcEv1wCq7AjocWljo0vF8wfNM-SPjxjh_1xN1OoNjUfWNZ_fNBBA9lf0mGASbaxwP3z86_sTrXYSA03WD32X4/s1600/Frosted+Leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFGet_aE8WurgBr4jbj8oZtFAApgoBdIXbqaMas21J8pFpao_SmqHkfmcEv1wCq7AjocWljo0vF8wfNM-SPjxjh_1xN1OoNjUfWNZ_fNBBA9lf0mGASbaxwP3z86_sTrXYSA03WD32X4/s1600/Frosted+Leaf.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every season has its own beauty</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tis the Season to be ...(jolly, frazzled or numb?)</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every year we go down the same path. One day you're hanging Christmas lights outside and enjoying the scent of mixed pine wreaths at an amazing garden store, like <a href="http://shopterrain.com/">Terrain</a>.Next day you’re held up in holiday traffic, wishing you had gone shopping online. And other days, it’s just hard to get back into the holiday spirit.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s a stop and go kind of month and it whirls by so fast, you can barely coast for a minute to catch your breath.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> But just think about it for a minute. Do you actually know anyone who just loves every minute of this holiday season?</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, some people seem to be less frazzled, but maybe they don’t <i>love</i> the holidays as you do.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s OK to be a little frazzled at times. - it’s a sign you’re engaged and not blithely coasting down the highway of life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, sit in traffic, listen to some holiday music and dream of your idea of a perfect holiday. Was it the inside or the outside decorations, the choir singing, the <a href="http://salvationarmy.com/">Salvation Army</a> kettle or baking Christmas cookies or - the Baileys on the rocks by the fire that you dream to recapture?</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What's your vision of the most perfect holiday? I would love to know.</span><br />
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com01288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 0875338.548165423046562 -76.992187513.908021423046563 -118.3007815 63.188309423046562 -35.6835935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-42919793923596621382017-07-14T14:09:00.002-04:002017-07-14T14:09:45.835-04:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsLi7-yZhismv-k8j2h_KevdbBwVfNwXVTBLheAERMBJFyYz5mR6jcXVzoLHCSl_xohPeq6H5E_n8r7leJbu-OLXcjkrEtFqCmk1odsz-ec4awT_6sFU1Dr66_AQmJzAh3XyjGjceDy8/s1600/Blog+photo+of+Fabianarts+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsLi7-yZhismv-k8j2h_KevdbBwVfNwXVTBLheAERMBJFyYz5mR6jcXVzoLHCSl_xohPeq6H5E_n8r7leJbu-OLXcjkrEtFqCmk1odsz-ec4awT_6sFU1Dr66_AQmJzAh3XyjGjceDy8/s320/Blog+photo+of+Fabianarts+painting.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fabianarts.net/coastal.html">Fabian arts</a> painting captured my attention with this painting </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just looking at it makes me feel cool and relaxed.</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u><b>How to Change your Perspective with Color</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Did you ever feel like the day gets away from you - Or even a month?</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This summer there's a lot of work with only a touch of vacation in August.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don't tell anyone, but I cannot wait for September. Maybe it's because the air is cooler in the morning, less humid...</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But it's also the start of a new semester for school (not for me but the idea of it, in general) and the idea of a new fall wardrobe.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Because it's been pretty warm this summer so far, I needed to see something that made me feel refreshed and ... cooler.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I found this image from <a href="http://www.fabianarts.net/coastal.html">Fabianarts</a> The painting is so soothing, it makes me feel relaxed and refreshed.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ok, time to get back to work. Already today I've ordered fabric for a new commercial design project. Later I'll be delivering custom work to one of my fabulous clients. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Later, I think I'll look at some more paintings. </span><br />
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com01288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753, USA39.951858926630052 -74.12475585937539.561067426630053 -74.770202859375 40.342650426630051 -73.479308859375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-67745900753301907872017-07-11T11:19:00.001-04:002017-07-14T13:52:04.124-04:00Find the Way to Your Best Summer Today<h3>
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Ever hear of the song that goes "Summertime, Summertime, sum-sum-summertime...?</span></h3>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As a child my summer was a mix of enjoying my friend's pool, traveling to visit my grandparents in Buffalo and trying to stay cool. Back in my day, we didn't have AC until my teens. To keep cool we swam mostly at Bar Beach near Roslyn. But at least once a summer, we'd head out to Jones Beach.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Jones Beach taught you how to deal with the waves and under toe. It was a favorite beach for Long Islanders who wanted the whole package - a boardwalk, sand and waves and open air restaurants or a pool.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now, summer for this designer is a mix of work, relaxing and enjoying our Barnegat Bay and beaches.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1689540653"></span>Bucky looks great next to our new door color </a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While I spend many hours in my office, designing, scheduling, etc. I am in full view of our home and the areas I'd like to spruce up. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like many of my clients, I'm busy and have only minutes to schedule the next project. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To get things done, I've found the best plan is to choose at least one item that can be accomplished in a week.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last week, our new side door (the prior week's project ) received a coat of paint that I love. It's <a href="https://www.benjaminmoore.com/"><span id="goog_1325881719"></span>Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue.<span id="goog_1325881720"></span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We also added a <a href="https://www.sourceandtradition.com/"><span id="goog_1289300239"></span>whale door knocker<span id="goog_1289300240"></span></a> for that extra charm. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The other story in this picture is our dog Bucky. Bucky had quite a bit of surgery and was recovering, but looking pretty good despite his ordeal. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dog and owners' doing fine. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the next blog post, I'll give you a peak at what I do to restore a feeling of 'Zen' in my busy life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith LLC</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia";">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">732 690-2030</span></span></span></div>
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-7182194034511351362017-05-22T12:30:00.000-04:002017-05-22T12:30:02.205-04:00Why to 'Never Say Never'<br />
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For over twenty years I've said 'I would never put a fence in our backyard.' I always loved to have a full view of the woods outside. Even though whatever I planted was eaten by the deer, I stood firm in my non-fence stance - until this year. </div>
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You see, thanks to our new neighbor who just installed a new white fence along the property line, my world has changed. The area where the new fence was installed made our garden area look better than ever. Suddenly I realized that the hydrangeas we planted last year would really stand out against the white fence. </div>
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But I still did not want to look at a 'white' fence at the <i>back</i> of our property line. So, we compromised and had a black (almost invisible to the eye) chain-link fence installed. The day after the fence was installed our deer 'friends' stood facing our house. You could almost hear them thinking "What happened to our dining room?" </div>
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Sorry dear deer! I am finally able to plant all the flowers I love - more hydrangeas, climbing and non-climbing roses, butterfly bushes, even tulips in the Spring.</div>
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Our tiny world has changed and even our mascot Bucky has a new place to play. We are spending more time outside, getting exercise and smelling the roses. </div>
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I'll keep you posted on our successes or failures on the progress of our new world. Next project - an actual patio in a 'bluestone' type of installation. <br />
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<span class="bqModalQuoteLink ng-binding" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif "important"; font-size: 16px;">If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div>
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Marcus Tullius Cicero<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith LLC</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia";">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">732 690-2030</span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia";"></span><br /><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></span><br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-41898523693086595432017-02-20T08:35:00.000-05:002017-02-20T08:40:49.587-05:005 To Do's for a Great Day <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sensationalcolor.com/"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Spring is just a few weeks away</i><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">!</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">How to put a little '</span><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Spring</span></i><span style="color: #134f5c;">' into your day:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Buy some bright pink, yellow or raspberry tulips for your desk or kitchen table.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wear a pink top or another bright color top in lieu of the usual gray, black or white top.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Find a photo on Google of cherry blossoms in Washington and share it on Facebook. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Go to your favorite paint store and select a few shades of paint in a new color palette for your home that is brighter, lighter and cheerier.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Schedule a nail appointment and paint your nails your favorite color for </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spring</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Need a little help with your home? Call 732 690-2030.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith LLC</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia";">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">732 690-2030</span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia";"></span><br /><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></span><br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-2422912973682513712016-12-12T14:00:00.000-05:002016-12-08T18:04:54.250-05:00Keeping your Sanity during the Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Pros and Cons of Holiday Decorating from a Former Florist and a Busy Interior Designer</span></h3>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's that time of year again when we are busy sprucing up our lives and homes with touches of holiday decor. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However, one of the past holiday decorating trends is the blanket of lights that some place over their bushes. Whenever I see one of those lighted bushes, I know someone wanted to take the quick route to holiday decorating and that's what it looks like! But, if they are busy and that works for them, <em>it's okay</em>. But, maybe next year...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then, there are homes that just make me marvel at the beautiful simplicity of their holiday decorating within the home. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the room has a great fireplace or high ceilings or great furniture. But the real beauty of that style of holiday decorating is to keep things simple. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whether you live in the northeast, the south or here at the Jersey Shore, the holidays can bring back that childhood wonder you so long to enjoy. So, go have some fun with it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was Confucius that remarked "<strong>Life is actually really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”</strong> So true with holiday decorating. Every inch of space does not need to be covered.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">See the beauty in simplicity and you'll enjoy the season, and your holiday decorating more than ever before. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em>Happy Decorating!</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">M. A. Smith LLC Interior Design</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">732 690-2030</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></em></div>
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<em><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">masmithinteriordesign.com</span></span></a></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">bestdesigncoach.com</span></a></span></em></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com01288 Beauchamps Pl, Toms River, NJ 08753, USA39.974264 -74.12749300000001539.974264 -74.127493000000015 39.974264 -74.127493000000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-75978572692738195862016-12-08T11:18:00.000-05:002016-12-08T17:57:44.759-05:00Do you feel Stressed about Decorating for the Christmas season?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you feel Stressed about Decorating for the Christmas season?</span></em></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftjOreQCmPpeqOuIYuuPaffLuD7UWTmGNbNYT4ONWN1PDnJDlLahiiIRp0xUlFxNvgTlpBVxWCXPBtK-BFwA1M2j83ZY6FdIvXCfgtoJ_3a0q4FehnHB7-inBQW8Ejsfo-ftSTsrGmN4/s1600/housezengarden.com+photo+of+puppy+with+tangled+wires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftjOreQCmPpeqOuIYuuPaffLuD7UWTmGNbNYT4ONWN1PDnJDlLahiiIRp0xUlFxNvgTlpBVxWCXPBtK-BFwA1M2j83ZY6FdIvXCfgtoJ_3a0q4FehnHB7-inBQW8Ejsfo-ftSTsrGmN4/s320/housezengarden.com+photo+of+puppy+with+tangled+wires.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://cnn.com/">CNN.com</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's the official start of the Christmas season! You say "Hooray!" and then you start to think about all you have to do in </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">just a few days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then, in a second,"Hooray!" shifts to - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">stress and anxiety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's a person to do, who has</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">no time now to keep up with just daily work, home and garden tasks?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The answer is complex yet simple - Lists=Organization= <u>A Plan</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I find the act of making to-do lists moves me into the can-do mentality. Mix a list with a calendar and you have the ingredients for getting things done and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> keeping things under control.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would love to go on, but it's time to make my list, fill in my calendar and start enjoying the Christmas season!</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Call interior designer, Mary Alice Smith in the New Jersey and metro New York City area at:</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">732 690-2030</span></strong> </span></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take a minute to check out my website and blogs: </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">M. A. Smith LLC Interior Design </a></span><br />
<a href="http://bestdesigncoachblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Best Design Coach Blog</span></a><br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-63963731795539163772016-08-31T11:50:00.004-04:002016-08-31T11:50:26.528-04:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsLi7-yZhismv-k8j2h_KevdbBwVfNwXVTBLheAERMBJFyYz5mR6jcXVzoLHCSl_xohPeq6H5E_n8r7leJbu-OLXcjkrEtFqCmk1odsz-ec4awT_6sFU1Dr66_AQmJzAh3XyjGjceDy8/s1600/Blog+photo+of+Fabianarts+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsLi7-yZhismv-k8j2h_KevdbBwVfNwXVTBLheAERMBJFyYz5mR6jcXVzoLHCSl_xohPeq6H5E_n8r7leJbu-OLXcjkrEtFqCmk1odsz-ec4awT_6sFU1Dr66_AQmJzAh3XyjGjceDy8/s320/Blog+photo+of+Fabianarts+painting.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fabian arts painting captured my attention with this painting </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u><b>How to Change your Perspective with Color</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Did you ever feel like the day gets away from you - Or even a month?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This August flew by for me and it was a mix of lots of work with a touch of vacation.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don't tell anyone, but I cannot wait for September. Maybe it's because the air is cooler in the morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But it's also the start of a new semester for school (not for me but the idea of it, in general) and the idea of a new fall wardrobe.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But its been pretty warm this last week of August and I needed to see something that made me feel refreshed and ... cooler.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I found this image from <a href="http://www.fabianarts.net/coastal.html">Fabianarts</a> The painting is so soothing, it makes me feel relaxed and refreshed.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ok, time to get back to work. Already I've enjoyed meeting a new design prospect, later I'll be working with a Renovation committee to help make some important decisions. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Later... I think I'll look at some more paintings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Interior Design - Ocean and Monmouth County and Metropolitan New Jersey and NYC</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">M. A. Smith LLC Interior Design</span></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>732 690-2030</strong></span></span></span></span></em></div>
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<a href="http://bestdesigncoachblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Best Design Coach Blog</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://thebestdesigncoach.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">House Zen Garden Blog</span></a></div>
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-70435289526710943882016-04-08T14:00:00.000-04:002016-08-31T11:45:35.010-04:00Go from Dark and Drab with a Little Pizazz<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkQm09iVC5epho3-XShLlypu5OgnDSC-m-tfwMUunK5zrW_DmQ9ruh2nmiUnJ6NOtj3dzfDITcxNTwn6vQIOxKc1XR4ZPIXaHpjb7BI4BOUH88AYorIGsTMtuoW2lo65v-uJXUjZYn2g/s1600/HB+Nick+Olson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" m="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkQm09iVC5epho3-XShLlypu5OgnDSC-m-tfwMUunK5zrW_DmQ9ruh2nmiUnJ6NOtj3dzfDITcxNTwn6vQIOxKc1XR4ZPIXaHpjb7BI4BOUH88AYorIGsTMtuoW2lo65v-uJXUjZYn2g/s400/HB+Nick+Olson.JPG" true="" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Photo courtesy of Nick Olsen and </span><a href="http://housebeautiful.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">House Beautiful</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the easiest ways to capture an updated look and add some <em>pizazz</em> to your home is by weaving a theme into your decorating scheme. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Designer </span></span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nick Olsen</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> did a fantastic job of this in a home he decorated for a client (as shown in the photo above). </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: small;">He used bold green graphic lines throughout the home. </span><span style="font-size: small;">For instance, he designed a white slip-covered sofa with the contrast of an emerald green welt. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Olsen also added a splash of green with a </span><span style="font-size: small;">chevron design on a bedroom chest.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Another home that accomplished this successfully had a checkerboard theme. The checkerboard pattern was scattered throughout the house on walls, on floors and even on a sofa pillow. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">For instance, a wall was painted in a <em>faded</em> checkerboard pattern. The pattern also showed up in a kitchen cutting board, a tile floor, a dining room tablecloth and on powder room guest towels.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">But, what made it so successful was how it was achieved in a <em>subtle manner</em>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Repeating a graphic element has the power of pulling rooms together. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: small;">Define what shape you are drawn to (chevron, checkerboard, circles, triangles, animal silhouettes, etc.) and repeat it in each room.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: small;">Choose and use your favorite shape or symbol and you'll make your rooms come together and come to life!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em> </em></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Interior Design - Ocean and Monmouth County and Metropolitan New Jersey and NYC</span></span></span></div>
<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">M. A. Smith LLC Interior Design </span></a><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>732 690-2030</strong> </span></span></span></span></em><br />
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<a href="http://thebestdesigncoach.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">House Zen Garden Blog</span></a>M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-50695358131736175592016-04-06T07:31:00.000-04:002016-04-06T07:32:07.431-04:00<u><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How to Get Back on Track</span></u><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, I know I've been MIA from HouseZenGarden blog for quite some time. The truth is (and my excuse) that I've been truly very and gratefully busy with design clients. I threw myself into my work and could not stop for a moment to write, let alone think about writing here in my blog. So, I'll blame 'Sandy' for my absence here. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since Super Storm Sandy in the northeast, it's been the busiest years ever with interior design clients. The storm caused many homeowners to re-build their summer homes. From the ground up they face daily decisions that have to be made during their re-build project. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What color siding or roof, how is the floorplan going to work and most fun - what tiles to choose in their bathrooms? Questions are everywhere and the answers are found after we talk and discuss what they really, truly would love to have in their new homes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lucky for me, they found me when they Googled interior designers in New Jersey. They found </span><a href="http://www.masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">me</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> because of my blog and what I wrote that connected to them and to what they were going through.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can identify with all their overwhelming decisions, because I often work with a number of projects at the same time. The only way to sort through all the decisions is to have a plan, a list of items to tackle first. Just like the book </span><a href="http://www.the1thing.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The1Thing.com</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> suggests, do the ONE thing that needs to be done first.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And now I can really identify with my clients because my own Master Bath is under construction. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I tell my clients, it's a process. It won't be finished overnight. But when it's done it will be worth all the work, the time and yes, the expense. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, here we are now - almost finished with the </span><a href="http://www.avalonflooring.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tiling</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. The vanity, the glass enclosure and the light fixtures are ordered. And, next and favorite part - selecting the </span><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">paint color</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for the walls.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jt06pW10RrQ_N2FoJF5JFVonBNYIQ1_5I3mnAkA7r9r5VsK72EhqAQKUlHBfPjrCGZ2-Fr7fo8Xmi1Fj_4SbnGB5sTbkwtriHPa_F2zro2non5qZ40bmsHciWSkIZS2yMLWUZ9NYPNM/s1600/Our+Master+Bath+project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jt06pW10RrQ_N2FoJF5JFVonBNYIQ1_5I3mnAkA7r9r5VsK72EhqAQKUlHBfPjrCGZ2-Fr7fo8Xmi1Fj_4SbnGB5sTbkwtriHPa_F2zro2non5qZ40bmsHciWSkIZS2yMLWUZ9NYPNM/s320/Our+Master+Bath+project.jpg" width="125" /></span></a><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting back on track - the only way to get to the things you know you must do is to just start. Start one thing today. Yesterday, we got 'back on track' at the gym. Today, back on track at the gym, this blog and later today - selecting our paint color for the bathroom after work.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's on your list so you can get back on track?</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Fast Track Interior Design -<em> interior design plan that gets your project to goal</em></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">M. A. Smith</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> LLC</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia";">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">732 690-2030</span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia";"></span> <br /><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Allied Member ASID</span><br /><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia";"></span></span></span><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a><br /><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blog: </span><a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">HouseZenGarden</span></a><br /><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blog: </span><a href="http://www.bestdesigncoach.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BestDesignCoach.com</span></a><br /><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York City</span></span></span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-45355010427527839782016-01-06T09:31:00.003-05:002016-01-06T09:33:40.611-05:00<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Goal Setting for 2016</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With the holidays behind us, it's a great time to start thinking about the upcoming year. Like many of my clients, I have projects in my own home that are crying for help.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of my projects is refinishing my wood floors. Another is to remove and replace the tile floors that flow from the Foyer into the Kitchen. I've pondered the best replacement solution for awhile. Do I replace the 12 x 12 tile with the ever popular wood plank look tile or install wood floors in lieu of the new style of tile?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWla1rRUxRxbsLBcBTIt8-6nQfAFkPWLJmaSuhuic3pz0fT2MeVyzxoawskiz_Byo0x44_M35Y1EWNabM192hln8OFTMp1OpfpcNrpnjljaLdP03rPPGBTb6YmpdhvV_9oNjMJpRmrX9w/s1600/Houzz+wood+plank+porcelain+tile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWla1rRUxRxbsLBcBTIt8-6nQfAFkPWLJmaSuhuic3pz0fT2MeVyzxoawskiz_Byo0x44_M35Y1EWNabM192hln8OFTMp1OpfpcNrpnjljaLdP03rPPGBTb6YmpdhvV_9oNjMJpRmrX9w/s320/Houzz+wood+plank+porcelain+tile.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #134f5c;">Photo courtesy of Houzz </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #134f5c;">wood plank porcelain tile</span></em></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Problem is either tile or wood could work. Both installations will take over a week. Also, my office has wood floors that need to be refinished. If I'm going to the trouble of replacing the tile, we might as well renovate and replace the kitchen cabinets. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So you see, I'm right there with my clients who want to make a change this year. I can't go through another year with this to-do list on the back burner! What's a designer to do? </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x2ivzqsXYEEiJQfDXEtCN7GUXfkoR1H8_FFd9wwKAyGrx5Ax5Hat_BvqI2mNP-7Gy-Pm5Q2RI5Ygn2VE0zJJOFsaD18d3rCUW9-rR7m2wYNvDVzhOkcfdKplTfL-3Ar3c5S4ufAhzwo/s1600/Transom+window+for+kitchen+pantry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x2ivzqsXYEEiJQfDXEtCN7GUXfkoR1H8_FFd9wwKAyGrx5Ax5Hat_BvqI2mNP-7Gy-Pm5Q2RI5Ygn2VE0zJJOFsaD18d3rCUW9-rR7m2wYNvDVzhOkcfdKplTfL-3Ar3c5S4ufAhzwo/s320/Transom+window+for+kitchen+pantry.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From my inspiration tear-sheet pages</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just love that transom window for the pantry</span></em></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The first thing to get my project going is to gather my file of tear sheets from magazines of rooms and kitchens that 'call to me'. Second, I'm all about lists. So, I'll take out my lined pad and write down the pros and cons for tile vs. wood. The kitchen cabinet part is easy, it will be white cabinets. And, while the kitchen layout will remain the same, we will remove some upper cabinets and use floating shelves instead for plates, cups, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Enough for now! Time to get back to work. In the meantime, what's on your list this year?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Fast Track Interior Design -<em> interior design plan that gets your project to goal</em></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">M. A. Smith</span></a> LLC<span style="color: #0c343d;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Interior Design</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">732 690-2030</span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia;"></span> <br /><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Allied Member ASID</span><br /><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia;"></span><br /><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a><br />Blog: <a href="http://housezengarden.com/">HouseZenGarden</a><br />Blog: <a href="http://www.bestdesigncoach.com/">BestDesignCoach.com</a><br /><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York City</span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-75973578753998173282015-04-20T11:00:00.000-04:002015-04-20T12:45:24.048-04:00Wipe On, Wipe Off. The Story Of An Unusual Restoration<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TrbGOT4i2ikoWcW8v9R0988ENsOdAhmrH4KerL4dqwkw3SHKCFLkoYbi7FUvlafEpIWi2ZczbCOlR_NSLvz1DKofnbml0e7t5f1JuC6Bo1-mvq-_HLzmvywuFPuNKomOXlisbO9DeVk/s1600/IMG-20111023-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TrbGOT4i2ikoWcW8v9R0988ENsOdAhmrH4KerL4dqwkw3SHKCFLkoYbi7FUvlafEpIWi2ZczbCOlR_NSLvz1DKofnbml0e7t5f1JuC6Bo1-mvq-_HLzmvywuFPuNKomOXlisbO9DeVk/s320/IMG-20111023-12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our Sailboat the 'Au Revoir' last sail day in 2011 before Sandy</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"> <u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Story about a Sailboat and Interior Design</span></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">The photo above was taken on the last great sailing day of 2011. It was a most beautiful day and probably the best sailing day of the season. It was also the start of a boat renovation project that seemed to expand every day until it was finished. Like home projects, when you revitalize one room, the adjacent rooms cry for the same attention.</span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">The same experience works on a sailboat. When you start to make the teak railings look beautiful, the stainless steel fittings look dingy in comparison. As I started to restore the teak floor, the paneled walls looked dry and dull. </span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While I work on our yearly sailboat Spring clean-up, I am reminded of the stress, the courage and the hope my clients experience, when they take on a home decorating project. You have to be brave to <em><u>say yes to making a change</u></em>. But, the prize is there and the project will be finished, as surely as the yearly maintenance of our boat will be complete. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, again this season I will work on the railings till they sparkle and my husband Jim will compound the boat till it shines. With every wipe on wipe off I keep the vision of our first day of sail to keep me going. And on that day I know for sure, that all the work was <em>so</em> worthwhile. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">M. A. Smith, Ltd., Interior Design</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Allied Member ASID</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">732 690-2030</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">E-mail: </span><a href="mailto:masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com"><span style="color: #073763;">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Website: </span><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #073763;">masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Blog: </span><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/"><span style="color: #073763;">bestdesigncoach.com</span></a><br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-854314780422341682014-12-06T11:00:00.000-05:002014-12-06T11:00:02.048-05:00Start With a Dream And Get Your Spirit Back<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwklrvONc1YN7Pl8XTummEF0OXd0yb1XDejcM_wod0tE8R6BimhDpMA_JQte5-KOd1_raUFNKd0gyLdBD1Wx9gSrAFoNFmbQTMWmfS1taiZq549HxT6eCXUXy0jW8pEJm6DlIPVYado8/s1600/The+High+Line+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwklrvONc1YN7Pl8XTummEF0OXd0yb1XDejcM_wod0tE8R6BimhDpMA_JQte5-KOd1_raUFNKd0gyLdBD1Wx9gSrAFoNFmbQTMWmfS1taiZq549HxT6eCXUXy0jW8pEJm6DlIPVYado8/s400/The+High+Line+3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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NYC's Incredible High Line - it began as a dream!</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No matter where you are today, you may feel a lack of enthusiasm, or feel doubtful or anxious about the future. Maybe you are still a victim of the hurricane Sandy or out of a job, a home or a relationship or all the above. </span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But at some point you will be anxious to get your life back. Where do you start? <em>You start with a dream.</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dream of a home that is warm, dry and full of family and friends. Picture yourself in a place that makes you smile. Go through old magazines and tear out pages with photos of that living room or open kitchen that calls to you. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pin those pictures onto a bulletin board, your refrigerator or place them in front of you at your desk.</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I am working on ideas for clients and I need some inspiration, I have always researched using magazines or the Internet. <em>You have to start somewhere</em>!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Start today! Check out the links below. See if they can provide ideas to give you a glimpse of your new wonderful life and home. </span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest.com</a> - a storyboard experience, create your own or get inspired by others</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://housebeautiful.com/">HouseBeautiful.com</a> - scores of photos, stories and links to furnishings resources</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://coastalliving.com/">CoastalLiving.com</a> - the source for coastal colors, homes and places</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://architecturaldigest.com/">ArchitecturalDigest.com</a> - see what the 'Who's Who' are doing</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">BestDesignCoach.com</a> - my other blog to help you with your design challenges</span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My bulletin board is crammed full of tear sheets that feature rooms, fashion and inspirational quotes. But the one thing that hangs on my bulletin board, that is the most inspiration to me, is a note from my mother. She wrote this message to me and I am now passing the message along to you:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am proud of you today, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I am sure that the future will be great. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><em>You deserve the best!</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fast Track Interior Design -<em> interior design plan that gets your project to goal</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">M. A. Smith, Ltd.</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Interior Design</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">732 690-2030</span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia;"></span> <br /><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:maryalicesmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith729@comcast.net</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Allied Member ASID</span><br /><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia;"></span><br /><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a><br />Blog: <a href="http://housezengarden.com/">HouseZenGarden</a><br />Blog: <a href="http://www.bestdesigncoach.com/">BestDesignCoach.com</a><br /><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York City</span></span></span> <br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-74662113404058956162014-07-07T10:32:00.000-04:002014-07-07T10:32:00.490-04:00Five Reasons To Go To The Jersey Shore This Summer<span style="color: #134f5c;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsR16JYKu-vaPSwapTfiN_LBgVsLOX3K9hniBJuaEKJL1_BhHdnHB-Dvucp_R4ZplIfajtzavfBzMRJVBsN6oMckGLQeUqF3IuC4_te05lJTPMgg5XyqpVVIPLgPbQZTrU7DBpdyQyhGA/s1600/Beach+floor+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsR16JYKu-vaPSwapTfiN_LBgVsLOX3K9hniBJuaEKJL1_BhHdnHB-Dvucp_R4ZplIfajtzavfBzMRJVBsN6oMckGLQeUqF3IuC4_te05lJTPMgg5XyqpVVIPLgPbQZTrU7DBpdyQyhGA/s400/Beach+floor+photo.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><em>Painted Floor At A Beach House</em></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">In </span><a href="http://www.barryyeoman.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Barry Yeoman's</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c;"> article "Why The Beach Makes Us Happy" the words "You come back from a beach vacation (or day trip) and find that you've got a verve, an energy" mean so much to those who love the Jersey Shore. True, there is still devastation to be seen, but there is also progress in rebuilding the boardwalks, the restaurants, and the dunes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">If you've been hesitant about 'going down the Shore' because you don't think it's quite up to your old memories, here are five reasons to go to the beach this week, as described in Barry Yeoman's article from </span><a href="http://www.coastalliving.com/travel/americas-best-beach-boardwalks-00414000079262/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Coastal Living</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c;">:</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c;">The color blue (as in the sky over the ocean) has been shown to produce feelings of security and relaxation. (Who doesn't need that?)</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c;">The sound of the waves has a calming, restorative effect.</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c;">The tactile feel of sand on your feet has so much power, that it is often used in psychotherapy.</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c;">A beach trip can produce lasting memories. Just thinking about your day at the beach months from now, can bring back those feeling of contentment or fun you enjoyed.</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c;">Looking at the ocean can produce "a special sparkling feeling" because we are looking at elements that are predictable like a boat, a seagull or just waves. </span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">So, where are you going this weekend? The beach is waiting for you to return. Look past the streets and head out to the ocean to find yourself again. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">See you at the beach!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mary Alice Smith of<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span> M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 690-2030</b> or email me at </span></i><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">m<i>asmith729@comcast.net</i></span></span></a><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">M. A. Smith, Ltd.</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Interior Design</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">732 690-2030</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net">masmith729@comcast.net</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Allied Member ASID</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Blog: </span><a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">HouseZenGarden</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> and </span><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Best Design Coach</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York</span></span></div>
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-81530366102328164732014-07-01T14:00:00.000-04:002014-07-01T14:00:02.398-04:00How to Slow Down and Gear Up For a Great SummerIt was two summers ago and we thought our family visiting would like the<a href="http://casinopiernj.com/breakwaterbeach/"> water park</a> for some afternoon fun. I surprised myself when I said I'd try the slide, the high one, the very high one.<br />
After the first ride, I was ready for <em>all </em>the slides - never laughed so much. It was the feeling of being a kid again that made it so memorable. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Casino Pier Breakwater Beach, Seaside Heights, NJ<br />
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There's something about summer that lends itself to doing things you just don't do the rest of the year. <br />
Like now, for instance, I am sitting on our porch writing this blog. The breeze is swaying outside, birds are chirping, just came back from a walk and I'm ready for a summertime kind of day.<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fast Track Interior Design -<em> interior design plan that gets your project to goal</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">M. A. Smith, Ltd.</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Interior Design</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">732 690-2030</span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia;"></span> <br /><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:maryalicesmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith729@comcast.net</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Allied Member ASID</span><br /><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia;"></span><br /><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a><br />Blog: <a href="http://housezengarden.com/">HouseZenGarden</a><br />Blog: <a href="http://www.bestdesigncoach.com/">BestDesignCoach.com</a><br /><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York City</span></span></span> <br />
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-3608632778798489382014-05-15T07:26:00.001-04:002014-05-15T07:26:54.147-04:00It's Lily of the Valley Week!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv14_JBSZkc9QoYc1rAdGwmIAQ-xCma0BAAXiQijIfiWaLv1dzoVNTQSymchCgJAtiufc0lulECxLj82NTxNtPri09B0-8i6JSpReFsg57qJ2RnuBBT9j52e-VsPo2Xq5mNICZ3gxs50M/s1600/HZG+5+15+14+CJPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv14_JBSZkc9QoYc1rAdGwmIAQ-xCma0BAAXiQijIfiWaLv1dzoVNTQSymchCgJAtiufc0lulECxLj82NTxNtPri09B0-8i6JSpReFsg57qJ2RnuBBT9j52e-VsPo2Xq5mNICZ3gxs50M/s1600/HZG+5+15+14+CJPG.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How Green Is My Valley (of Moss!)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Somewhere between the Ides of March and today, I start to believe we are really heading toward warmer weather. But it's not so much the weather that inspires me, it's the flowers and trees in bloom - at last. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today, I head down the path to the side of my garden to see if they are blooming, the flowers that can change my mood in an instant.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufB6z2CIpn0ZpfzfqNvnG2sJjZz5v-ZYLOcWCZ9GqgfOP2_ZeslwV41fY43St4vdd59-a2FgbDqYyOK7R61dy_VV7xTU4ZVrFLkIWGZb-sMmZxUpuaNt6ZongEM6qVmTt4o84SZrQdeA/s1600/HZG+5+15+14+BJPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufB6z2CIpn0ZpfzfqNvnG2sJjZz5v-ZYLOcWCZ9GqgfOP2_ZeslwV41fY43St4vdd59-a2FgbDqYyOK7R61dy_VV7xTU4ZVrFLkIWGZb-sMmZxUpuaNt6ZongEM6qVmTt4o84SZrQdeA/s1600/HZG+5+15+14+BJPG.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muguet de Bois -This all started with one bulb!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In particular, I'm moved by the tiniest flower called Muguet de Bois or - Lily of the Valley. My backyard garden is full of these tiny blooms that inspired a perfume to be created to immortalize their intoxicating scent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Although I love to see them filling out my flower beds, these are my favorite flowers to cut and bring inside. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_dPsVMRkIzMnZ09sxmCGNZBCXwvZpkFj7WOGlCMiQ7GJV31nR-EZQdnP6MPLpZCVm5r-wfnDUovht5xYCsoJIXggHFRCX5QqCqS9gqWvMv1hZhUhOQxZ_NJr-KbWgmvdrsMN_tAU7CE/s1600/HZG+5+15+14+A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_dPsVMRkIzMnZ09sxmCGNZBCXwvZpkFj7WOGlCMiQ7GJV31nR-EZQdnP6MPLpZCVm5r-wfnDUovht5xYCsoJIXggHFRCX5QqCqS9gqWvMv1hZhUhOQxZ_NJr-KbWgmvdrsMN_tAU7CE/s1600/HZG+5+15+14+A.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice way to start my day</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Sometimes it's the small things in life that can bring you so much happiness. </em></span><a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 690-2030</b> or email me at </span></i><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">m<i>asmith729@comcast.net</i></span></span></a><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">M. A. Smith, Ltd.</span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Interior Design</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">732 690-2030</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net">masmith729@comcast.net</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Allied Member ASID</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Blog: </span><a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">HouseZenGarden</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Best Design Coach</span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-20569281985154119952013-10-25T14:46:00.000-04:002013-10-25T14:46:00.662-04:00How To Decorate Differently This Autumn<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNao0snWuZwWZRivmfQX8DKzG0Hyv4i8mrLbown4jf30KNpst0jmKwqvGc8eqAFDZW6TbVECoJobQElpwTfuHnzY27O_H23ZZs6Oug9mTHLk_DHociFM1cgXDjJFTpImTWnCoy4cSRAwQ/s1600/Matthew+Mead+white+pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNao0snWuZwWZRivmfQX8DKzG0Hyv4i8mrLbown4jf30KNpst0jmKwqvGc8eqAFDZW6TbVECoJobQElpwTfuHnzY27O_H23ZZs6Oug9mTHLk_DHociFM1cgXDjJFTpImTWnCoy4cSRAwQ/s400/Matthew+Mead+white+pumpkins.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Debra Norton and Matthew Mead</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're looking for some new ideas for decorating this season, try </span><a href="http://www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com/"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Matthew Mead's Blog</span>.</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">White pumpkins, or fancy cats hats - whatever inspiration you need may be found a click away at Matthew's website.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes we just need a little boost from <em>seeing</em> something different, <em>doing</em> something different and <em>sharing</em> something different. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're still not sure what to do, look at the photo below and make a list of each item on the tablescape. See if you can copy that look and put a little pizazz in your life with a touch of creativity. You know, even the great artists copied or referenced other great artists. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most important thing to remember, is that it's not that hard really. It just takes a little time, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>a little</em></span> <em>creativity and a will to make your life a little sweeter and a lot happier. </em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrDiggo_piQ9sjouakTzALy3V-EUjRP-u-Z-ZoOlv4Zo_9xuWsmdMR4pWJRBipF0RBoo-6YuCm2KiUXjhlrOWAKECSeyH_hC5SCVxZZNwtGBFR2kphSi3Wm-v53GDFMpBRaHJzlwRHpE/s1600/Autumn+decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrDiggo_piQ9sjouakTzALy3V-EUjRP-u-Z-ZoOlv4Zo_9xuWsmdMR4pWJRBipF0RBoo-6YuCm2KiUXjhlrOWAKECSeyH_hC5SCVxZZNwtGBFR2kphSi3Wm-v53GDFMpBRaHJzlwRHpE/s320/Autumn+decor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1850795698"></span><span id="goog_1850795699"><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need help with your home design, inside or out? </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Call us at 732 690-2030 or email at: masmith729@comcast.net</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">M. A. Smith, Ltd.</span> </span></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">bestdesigncoach.com</a></span></em></span><br />
<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-37900989900793636102013-10-23T10:21:00.000-04:002013-10-23T10:21:00.921-04:00Open your front Door to a new color this Season<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb0oQexd0pAOxssICR8qZaEKmZzR8_uqccrfjxRXDLPKfZ9nGDMcFk-TPUHceJ_ZnOo-sUknzb_Zv7U-kJomh0oVNsLSEYOolaBa-BazgLYw6hWdvKJZYeDuF4omGD1AzZyKGLvG8GOU/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb0oQexd0pAOxssICR8qZaEKmZzR8_uqccrfjxRXDLPKfZ9nGDMcFk-TPUHceJ_ZnOo-sUknzb_Zv7U-kJomh0oVNsLSEYOolaBa-BazgLYw6hWdvKJZYeDuF4omGD1AzZyKGLvG8GOU/s320/030.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://benjaminmoore.com/">Benjamin Moore's</a> Heritage Red</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">you can only change one thing this season, <em>change the color of your front door</em>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you take a picture of the outside of your home, </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">does your eye go directly go to the front door?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mine does since we painted it Benjamin Moore's Heritage Red! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For many years it was a soft straw-yellow. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I loved the yellow, it was easy to look at and well -welcoming.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But my nephew Brian and his wife Trish moved into their first home and surprise, they had a <strong>red front door</strong>. The last time I had a red front door was over twenty years ago. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've always loved a red door on a house that has white siding and black shutters. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The best part about this change is that I finally decided it was time to </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">stop thinking about it. </span><span style="color: #666666;"><strong>It was time to get it done</strong>. Not an easy task, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but worth every brushstroke.</span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What color have you been thinking about for your front door?</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need help with your home design, inside or out? </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Call us at 732 690-2030 or email at: masmith729@comcast.net</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">M. A. Smith, Ltd.</span> </span></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">bestdesigncoach.com</a></span></em>M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485178909807095037.post-39517603129038937912013-05-23T15:30:00.000-04:002013-05-23T15:30:01.486-04:00Consider Using This Idea For Health and a Beautiful Home<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55ciQ3tQoF2uUfr5E5HBYn5TuNHc0_71rlXByozevCunYoFofVXpXjLZoT8zzygAnYLoYXleI-TutJA37N1yCeI5RwHCBKrgM8y76qobWeEabiUqeKooUrjm3Qa5hg-jmYcjjnVplD3k/s1600/This+Old+House+Apricot+paint+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55ciQ3tQoF2uUfr5E5HBYn5TuNHc0_71rlXByozevCunYoFofVXpXjLZoT8zzygAnYLoYXleI-TutJA37N1yCeI5RwHCBKrgM8y76qobWeEabiUqeKooUrjm3Qa5hg-jmYcjjnVplD3k/s320/This+Old+House+Apricot+paint+color.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/"><span style="color: #45818e;">Benjamin Moore's 'August Morning' paint color</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">This Color Can Make You Feel Better and Look Better!</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If one of your goals this season is better health and the other is a more beautiful home, read on! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">According to the ‘</span><a href="http://www.whfoods.org/"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Worlds Healthiest Foods’</span></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> website, eating </span><a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=3"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">apricots</span></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> not only helps to protect your health. But you might also consider adding this colorful beta carotene fruit to feel better on the inside as well. But it's great for other things as well, like your home. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I remember getting my haircut at a salon that had a apricot color on the walls. The glow of the walls actually made me look so much better - it was the color for sure. When I returned home that glow I had at the salon was gone. It must have been that apricot hue!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the meantime, you might want to add a touch of apricot to your decorating scheme with an 'apricot' color paint. According to </span><a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20386447_20787379,00.html"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This Old House</span></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, Benjamin Moore’s color, August Morning, can add a “balancing and empowering” effect that “<em>flatters almost every skin tone and lifts the mood</em>.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As This Old House says – “What more could you want?”.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mary Alice Smith of<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span> M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 690-2030</b> or email me at </span></i><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">m<i>asmith729@comcast.net</i></span></span></a><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"></span><br />
<a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">M. A. Smith, Ltd.</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Interior Design</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">732 690-2030</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net">masmith729@comcast.net</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Allied Member ASID</span><br />
<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Blog: </span><a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">HouseZenGarden</span></a> and <a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">Best Design Coach</a><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York</span><br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0