How to Get Back on Track

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.

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.

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.

Lucky for me, they found me when they Googled interior designers in New Jersey. They found me because of my blog and what I wrote that connected to them and to what they were going through.

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 The1Thing.com suggests, do the ONE thing that needs to be done first.

And now I can really identify with my clients because my own Master Bath is under construction.
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.

So, here we are now - almost finished with the tiling. The vanity, the glass enclosure and the light fixtures are ordered. And, next and favorite part - selecting the paint color for the walls.



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.

What's on your list so you can get back on track?
Fast Track Interior Design - interior design plan that gets your project to goal

M. A. Smith LLC Interior Design
1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753
732 690-2030
E-mail: masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Blog: HouseZenGarden
Blog: BestDesignCoach.com
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York City

Why you should do it now or else..

Photo courtesy of John and Mary Ann Thesing's Garden

Why you should do it now or else....

If you have a few to-do lists as I do, you may notice there are those items that never get done.

For instance, on my list this spring is 'weed garden'. However, last fall's list includes "plant ground-cover to prevent weeds." So, when I set out to tackle the weeds last week, I not only had a lot of weeds, but I had to weed fast to avoid all the mosquitoes we have because of this winter's warm temps. Obviously, I did not get to the 'plant ground-cover' item and so I am paying the price now.

You would think after years of gardening, I would know that using ground-covers can save you from hours of weeding. Well, even though I do know that, I didn't follow through. If only I paid attention to my list last fall, the weeding and those mosquito bites may not be an issue that I have to deal with now!

So the message today is - pay attention to all the items on your to do list. For me, once I plant those ground-covers - weeding will no longer take up space on my to do home to-do list of things I really enjoy doing - like planting perennials, or re-decorating a room.

What is that one item on your list, that you could grab hold and deal with today - for once and for all?

A Few Things I Love about The Season

 While I love summer and sailing,  I can't wait for fall to pull together 

a wreath of fruits, autumn leaves and flowers.

 Autumn Wreath of Flowers and Berries

  My painting of apples is 'ripe' for the season - so I place it where I can see and enjoy it.

My Apple Oil Painting 

 My petite Thanksgiving 'favor' cup that I purchased years ago. Made of papier mache, it is filled with pinecones, nuts and  fruit.

Antique sideboard dressed for Fall

Sometimes life can be simple and sweet. But, I remember a boss who used to say "Why does this have to be so hard"? Well, it turns out it doesn't have to be so hard. It's only hard when people make it that way.

So, keep it simple. Love what you have and be grateful for everyone who colors your world with ideas, inspiration and love!