Social Media: FOMO or No Mo!

Another late day posting!  My apologies again and thank you for being so patient and understanding! :)  So, I have been reading a few articles here as of late about people who are somewhat addicted to the most popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest; who have a Fear Of Missing Out!  They are constantly checking status updates, reading tweets, and seeing who has pinned what.  Hmmm, sounds like bit of a problem to me! 

 

 

I've been getting quite a few Pinterest group board invitations and decided to go ahead and join four.  One of them is really cool, named Fashion Details.  I'm thinking of deleting this board and possibly just following!  Why?  Because for some strange reason, Pinterest thinks I want to know every single time someone pins a new pin; and this board gets dozens daily!  It has close to 10,000 pins and counting!  Really?  I just don't care like that!  I have already been experiencing a little social media burnout and truly have not been engaging at all on Facebook and Twitter outside of posting my latest blog postings.  And even when I do that, I have nothing to add!  Right now, I am totally feeling like no mo(re) social media!  I know this won't last for long, but I am really in a social media rut!

 

 

I would like to close with this little bit... I know that everyone who owns a business is looking at social media as a way to increase their exposure, thereby hopefully making more money.  With that said, we are posting little tidbits of information that enhances our expertise and credibility.  Makes sense right?  Sure it does!  This is where I get a little irritated...I'm not seeing much in the way of getting to know the person (there are exceptions, always).  No, no, no, not really personally, but in a way that let's me know if I want to do business with you, buy your product, or work with you.  A client of mine made a really good observation.  They said it is not necessarily the service or the product that grabs them as much as it is the person.  Social media is just that, social!  Genuinely get to know those you follow and let those who follow you, get to know you as well!  Because when the rubber meets the road, you and who you are, is your best marketing tool as it relates to social media!

 

 

...And by the way, if you have a lot to say, Facebook and Twitter aren't really the sites to do it!  Start a blog!  I can't think of a better way to get your story out there and really give people a better glimpse into who you are.  It's your story and no one can tell it better than you!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images



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Color Inspiration: Black, Gray, Orange...

My apologies for posting late today.  I am a bit overwhelmed by opportunity (as a very good friend of mine would say)!  Therefore, this posting will be brief and without it's usual story.  I'm not quite sure how I happened upon this topic, but oh my gosh, how lovely are these colors!  Fall is my most favorite season and living in an area where I am able to see the changes in the landscape, and appreciate all that it is is an incredible delight.  Have you ever driven down a tree-lined street and found yourself held hostage by the beauty of the warm, glowing, and sometimes moodiness of the colors?  Do you pause for a moment to really take in how humbling a sunrise or sunset can be?  Perfection, pure perfection.  Hmmm, maybe it's just me and maybe you need to...just maybe!

 

 

 

 

 

The source of my color inspiration.  Isn't it breathtaking!  How can one not appreciate the beauty and magnificence of all that the eyes are able to see?  It is a blessing; one not to be taken lightly, and one that needs to be acknowledged and enjoyed every second of every day!

 

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via Tumblr



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Seriously Crushing On All Things Brass And Gold!

I must admit, I've not really been all that crazy about polished silver or chrome.  I know that it has been the finish of choice for quite a few years and I do think that it looks amazing when used for the right application.  But then so does most everything when done right.  No?  I've always favored oil rubbed bronze and the beautiful patinaed brass found in old buildings and homes.  There's a warmth about this finish that just adds so much more interest and character than silver.  Although, I will agree that it is not always the best for every application, but I have found myself using it whenever I could.  In fact, one of my favorite lamps was a task lamp Restoration Hardware carried years ago.  I loved it.  Hmm, I think I need to visit their site to see if they still sell it!  I detest the polished brass the builder used in my home!  Yuck!  I painted my dining room chandelier a dark metallic bronze; placed shades from Restoration Hardware on it, and voila!  A chandelier I can live with!

 

 

Elle Decor via Pinterest

 

Pinterest

 

Julie Hillman Design

 

Pinterest

 

Houzz.com

 

Pinterest

 

Melanie Turner Interiors

 

Pinterest

 

Kelly Wearstler via elledecor.com

 

Pinterest

 

So what do you think?  Is a brass or gold finish for you?  As you can see, you can introduce it into every area of your home in many different ways.  From mirrors, frames, hardware, and decorative accessories to furniture, a wall or ceiling, or an entire kitchen; the possibilities are endless!  I think you should add a little gold into your home... you'll love it and thank me later!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda 



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Dream Homes: What Does Yours Look Like?

 Just the other day I was thinking about getting started on designing my dream home.  There are two reasons I am doing this; (1) because I can, (2) because this is how dreams become reality!  It's really not a difficult thing to do, seeing that there are tons upon tons of resources available; not to mention you are able to "Google" any and everything!  A few of the resources that I use to get inspired and find ideas are Houzz.com, Decor Pad, and Pinterest; not to mention the thousands of fantastic blogs in the blogosphere, and all of the incredible magazines on the bookstore shelves! 

If you haven't already, begin collecting those pictures of elements that you would love to have in your dream home.  You can organize them on an inspiration board that you can hang in your home in a place where you will see it daily, place them in a binder and organize them by room, finish, etc., or like what many are now doing, join Pinterest and create boards for different interests!  Now that you know how to start and where to look, get going!

Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda

*Images



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Happy Labor Day!

 It's looking like rain.  We've had incredible clouds for the last few days, but today it's just gray.  I'm secretly happy about the weather forecast because I've got tons of reading to catch up on, and I can't think of a better day to do it!  I'm pretty sure we're going to throw something on the grill.  Even if it rains we'll just put the grill underneath the umbrella and keep it moving!

 

I must get my fashion fix!  I'm getting so pumped and excited about Fall!  I have been in my closet taking note of what needs to be dry cleaned, mended, taken to the cobbler, and just plain old thrown out!  Thank goodness the throw away pile has very few pieces!  I am a pretty good shopper when it comes to great, classic pieces; so I only need to add a trendy piece here and there, thus resulting in fewer giveaways and throw-aways!  Winnie, if you're reading this, I will stop by this week to pick up my Hermes sweater!  I have this gorgeous Hermes tissue cashmere sweater that I snagged and I could not bear to put it down; so I took it to Winnie hoping she could mend it and make it better.  If she can't do it, it probably can't be done!  I call it "tissue" cashmere because it is so fine until it is as delicate and soft as tissue!  My fingers and toes are crossed!

 

 

I was so excited to see the new Domino on the newstand!  It includes some of the Domino favorite interiors, as well as some new ones.  It also features the opinions of thirteen design pros, aptly called The Domino Style Council.  I hate that they no longer are in regular publication, but I will take what I can get!  This is another great issue that you should definitely run out and buy!

 

 

I received the new Resto trio of catalogs the other day and Dear Lord, I wonder how much postage do they have to pay for these books; not to mention how much money it costs to produce them!  They are beautiful to look through!  I always look forward to Pottery Barn's Fall release because they do Fall decorating better than any retailer in their category!  The little girl and I are planning the decoration for the front door and inside the house.  I love that both of my kids get excited about decorating!  I wonder where did they get that from?

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*P.S.  My dear cousin Stephanie, as I was putting this posting together, I thought about you!  I have subscribed to the digital issues in most of the above mags, and what you are seeing are either the hard copies from those digital subscriptions or those that I am not interested in subscribing to and just purchased on a whim!  Whatever the case may be, they will all be recycled!  I'm only keeping special mags or those that are no longer in publication!  Now, I need to make an appointment through the Genius Bar to sit with someone at the Apple Store so they can show me how to create a file and save the pics from the digital subscriptions.  Hmmm, can that be done?  Oh well, appointment is necessary!  See there, I am doing better!  Love you much!!!



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Happy Sunday!

I just wanted to pop in and share with you some of the pics that I took yesterday at the Bosch Net Zero Home Tour at the Serenbe community.  The home was a very charming collaboration with Ballard Designs.  My family and I had a wonderful time visiting the home and grabbing a bite to eat at the Blue Eyed Daisy.  The little girl wanted to visit the spa, too funny; but maybe another time!

 

 

Yesterday was a gorgeous day!  Yes, there were many, many clouds, but they were incredible!  And yes, there were a few pop-up showers here and there; but gorgeous all the same!  Standing on the front porch of the home was a beautiful blue sky with coulds that looked almost 3-D!

 

 

 

I wish I could have gotten better photos!  These pics are of the living room.  I carried a little wristlet meant for only the necessities, so my camera was left in my handbag sitting on the kitchen table as we walked out of the door!  I need a new iPhone!  I have a 3GS!  I know, I know!  I should have the latest and greatest because I'm a blogger and design professional!  Blah, blah, blah... I get it! 

 

Images of the dining area and a view of the kitchen.

 

One of two bedrooms on the second floor.

 

The hall bathroom.

 

The home office.

 

The master bedroom on the first floor.

 

The master bathroom.

 

The veranda just outside of the living room.

 

I hope you are enjoying your long holiday weekend!  For all of you DragonCon fans attending this year's event, if you have any interesting photos to share; please send them as I would love to talk about another annual event held here in Atlanta over the Labor Day holiday!

 

Make it AMAZING!

 Rhonda

*All images via the Bosch Net Zero Home Tour at the Serenbe community.



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The Last Official Weekend of Summer!

Wow, time really doesn't wait for anyone!  Can you believe we're already on the front porch of Fall!  Do you have a special way of bringing the season to a close?  Around my house we usually do some type of home improvement project, but not this year.  We are going to spend the weekend doing a lot of nothing!  The first bit of nothing on the list is to pay a visit to Serenbe, a lovely little community in Chattahoochee Hills, that is hosting several events over the holiday weekend.  It is also the site of this years HGTV Green Home Giveaway, that just happened a couple of weeks ago!  They are also hosting the Bosch Net Zero Home Tour this weekend that should be an inspiration to see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The food at these three restaurants is soooo good and well worth the visit!  The Farmhouse is located inside the Inn at Serenbe.  The Blue Eyed Daisy is a special little place that serves incredible sandwiches and pasteries!  The Hil, I've only eaten at the Hil once, and it has been while; but what an experience that was!  What I do remembe,r is that most, if not all of the produce came from the serenbe farm and the menu is hand selected by chef/owner Hilary White.  If considering an evening out, visit the website for restaurant times for the Farmhouse and the Hil.  The Blue Eyed Daisy has more accommodating hours, especially on weekends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The lovely images above are from the model home of the 2010 development the "Nest Cottages".  This model home was built with energy efficiency in mind.  It is a truly fascinating story!  To read more about it click here.  What I love about this community is just that, a wonderful community that is focused on the quality of life of not just the homeowners, but the business owners (whom I think probably reside there as well), and all who visit.  It's very lifestyle specific.  If you appreciate nature, sustainable design, footworn paths, fresh vegetation from the local farm, and everyone you pass saying hello; then this is a place you need to experience, if only for a day!  I encourage you to visit their website and read their blog to learn more about this amazing place that was born from the vision of Marie and Steve Nygren.  I have had the pleasure of meeting them both, once at ADAC and again on the property in summer of 2008.  They are so down to earth and incredibly warm and welcoming!  It you live in the metropolitan Atlanta area and are looking for something to do this weekend, make the trip to Chattahoochee Hills and enjoy a day you've probably not had in a long while!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via The Serenbe Community



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