tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63660076703644840392024-03-12T21:27:53.963-07:00Simple SymmetryStaying Sane in Small Spaces~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-54816341986644956682012-09-12T10:50:00.002-07:002012-09-12T10:50:51.057-07:00Pretty Simple Table decorA couple weekends ago, I was lucky enough to find myself back in Santa Barbara, California for a few glorious days of spending time with friends, visiting favorite spots and enjoying time at the beach.<br />
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One gathering with friends included a simple barbecue of the basic American fare - hamburgers and hotdogs with buns and all the fixings. There was corn-on-the-cob, melons and all sorts of typical, wonderful, simple and delicious summer barbecue food.<br />
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My friend made her outside table really special by using some small colored glass bottles which she filled with an assortment of fresh herb sprigs and a simple flower from her garden. They were so pretty! Here, take a look! (remember: you can click on them to make them HUGE for detail).<br />
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Just lovely. Have you ever done something like this? Got a link? Share it below!~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-36613564916509555642012-02-06T07:00:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:39:30.586-07:00nail polish post – a little asymmetryToday I have for you, Zoya Cho and Zoya Skylar from the Zoya Spring collection "True."<br />
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I'm no fan of neutrals, but I couldn't resist the soft shimmer of Cho when paired with the more obvious, glass-flecked shimmer of Skylar. Besides, don't they look pretty together?<br />
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I was inspired by <a href="http://concreteandnailpolish.blogspot.com/2012/01/zoya-bevin-some-easy-nail-art.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2Fconcreteandnailpolish+%28Concrete+and+Nail+Polish%29">April over at Concrete and Nail Polish</a> where she used Bevin and Farah from the same collection. Another lovely, complimentary pair in this pretty collection.<br />
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One more look at them.</div>
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I used nothing but the brushes in the bottles of Zoya Polish. What do you think? I think it put the fun in funky!<br />
<br />~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-5601164077851318542012-02-05T07:00:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:37:47.936-07:00epiphany of the week – at least one<div style="text-align: center;">
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It seems the culling continues almost 6 years after it began. During the sorting of "stuff" we've had stored in an extra bedroom at my mother-in-law's home for the past 6 years, I found many items I'd forgotten about, some things I was keeping that just don't work anymore that I could finally let go, and some I still feel the need to keep for "someday" - culling is, after all, a process. These things take time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phillipstewart/3909410632/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="My life in a 10x10 storage unit by pmsyyz, on Flickr"><img alt="My life in a 10x10 storage unit" height="180" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3469/3909410632_7da9424d97_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Not our stuff: <span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Phillip Stewart</span></div>
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One of the boxes I was most pleased to find was filled with the books I knew I had to keep at the time I packed them away. Seems I was wrong about 95% of them and those were donated to the local library up here in the foothills of the beautiful Sierra Nevada. </div>
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One book, one very special book, I purchased before I ever met my husband. Let's just say I bought it sometime in the 90's. This little book, and it IS little, is titled: Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much by Anne Wilson Schaef and you can find it at Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Women-Who-Too-Much/dp/0062548662/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328312921&sr=1-1">HERE</a>.</div>
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I bought the book and looked at it from time to time, but never really on a daily basis. It's written with entries for each day - little meditations or things to think about before you begin your day. This year, just to do something different and maybe useful, I decided to keep it on my bedside table and begin my day by reading the day's entry. It's lead to a few brain blasters or as Oprah calls them, "Aha! moments." I just call them epiphanies.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesse/2173211937/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Temple of Forgiveness by Jesse Wagstaff, on Flickr"><img alt="Temple of Forgiveness" height="161" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2136/2173211937_2207d351eb_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Jesse Wagstaff</span><br />
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Take January 27th's entry on Forgiveness. Yeah, that one. We hear so much about the F word, how important it is, why to do it, how to do it, when to do it. There are so many articles and books on the subject but I didn't get it until I read this little excerpt. I don't have the proper permission to actually print what is stated on the page, so I'll paraphrase: Sometimes we get so ashamed of the mistakes we've made in front of another person - a good friend, our significant other, a family member - instead of reflecting on it, we deflect those feelings and find fault with the other person. We begin to pick at all the things they've done wrong in front of us. All the hurt they've "caused" us and the finger pointing begins. </div>
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At least that's what I got from the entry.</div>
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It made me think of all the times I've found fault with my husband, especially lately. I realized he is the biggest witness of every mistake I've made in the last 12 years. 12 INTIMATE YEARS!!! </div>
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There I sat, considering that, meditating on it if you will. Ruminating. Then I got it. The tears came right behind that. They usually do. Epiphanies are like that for me. I get emotional over the time I've lost hanging on to something and at the same time, I'm so grateful to finally understand and be able to let go of that particular bone I've been holding and picking at for so very long.</div>
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I realized that I'd been holding HIM accountable for all the time I've wasted not following my own inspirations and dreams. All the time I've wasted doing everything OTHER than the things I could be doing to get me a little closer to my dream life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gee01/2190903226/" title="angry face by _gee_, on Flickr"><img alt="angry face" height="160" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2362/2190903226_1be8b3766b_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>
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I am disappoint! <span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Graeme Maclean</span></div>
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I think I needed to have the 6 months away from him to pursue some of those things a bit and see that I actually can do some of them and I might even be pretty good at a few of them. But I wasn't ever going to get the message from that little passage in that tiny book without having had that time and being reconnected with him again. </div>
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I realized that I need to tend to my own backyard, keep my stuff in order and follow my heart and dreams while still doing my part to tend to the "us" we've created. I realized that, over and over again, I've placed my dreams in the hand of someone else and thought, "here, these are my dreams, now go make them come true for me." I'm not stupid by any means, but that sure was a stupid thing to do! </div>
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So here I am, standing in my own forgiveness of myself. By forgiving myself all my own misgivings, it becomes so much easier to forgive others their shortcomings. Beyond that even. Who am I to forgive another? Who am I to judge them as I stand here in my own muck? </div>
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The best forgiveness is self-forgiveness. It frees me up to be loving and accepting of all those I encounter, even if my first encounter with them is when they are making a terrible mistake or being cruel or clumsy. I'm going to do my best to walk in that grace and share it. I think that's the key. Show others the way, so-to-speak. Even that's arrogant. I want to love. That's all. When I die, I want those whose lives I have touched to say, "she was such a loving person, accepting whatever you revealed to her with grace and kindness." Let go of the grudges I hold on myself and forgive them, one at a time.</div>
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What grudges are you holding against yourself? How can you forgive yourself and open your heart and mind to more love? I wish this for you, I wish it for all of us.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21560098@N06/5414979704/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Be my valentines by Nina Matthews Photography, on Flickr"><img alt="Be my valentines" height="160" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5298/5414979704_f872aa6101_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Nina Matthews Photography</span><br />
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~Lizbeth</div>~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-49546567861738574792012-02-04T08:00:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:38:11.801-07:00saturday set the way back machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SO GOOD!</div>
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If you have enjoyed Aerosmith, Alice Cooper or Weird Al Yankovich, you'll definitely get a kick out of this.<br />
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Enjoy!</div>~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-50183374146389179402012-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:40:31.290-07:00simple items found useful for tiny livingToday, I'll begin a short series for Friday's featuring a few items I've found helpful for use in a tiny living space. These items are tried and true in my own small house and so I pass them on to you for your consideration.<br />
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The first item is actually something I've been using since long before I knew what tiny living was about...in fact I discovered them when I was living large in a 3 bedroom sprawling home in which the master bedroom took up one entire third of the house! (It was pretty awesome.) This simple item comes in a variety of shapes and sizes: I present to you, the 3M Command Adhesive Hook.<br />
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I began using the medium plastic hook at holiday decorating time. I used them to hang stockings from the mantel without damaging the wood or paint afterward. I used them to hang the wreath on the door! These little hooks came in handy! But that's all I used them for...until I started living small. </div>
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Then, they were everywhere. I had medium hooks inside the cabinet by the front door for the flyswatter and the dog's leash.</div>
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Then I used some small hooks near the stove - up high away from flame - to hang my potholders on. It was convenient and decorative. I hung a few up inside the cabinet near my side of the bed to hold my necklaces where I could easily choose them. I also found these handy for another purpose which I'll go into a little bit later. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqs1jyH9Pt4/TyswwZwUNLI/AAAAAAAACbI/oQc8MxgZ-5Y/s1600/Large3Mhook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqs1jyH9Pt4/TyswwZwUNLI/AAAAAAAACbI/oQc8MxgZ-5Y/s200/Large3Mhook.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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I needed a place to hang longer clothing - Dresses were a bit too long for any of the closets we had, so I found a free wall that was not to exposed and hung up a large hook. It didn't last long, I went beyond it's weight limits...so the large hooks were moved to inside the bathroom cabinets where they were used to hang the hairdryer and the hair iron out of site but easily accessible. </div>
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So I tried the jumbo hook for the dresses and it worked for a little while...but I kept getting more dresses...and it gave out with a loud CRACK! Once again forced to hold far more than it was ever intended to. Still, it held up for at least a year! So I put two of these on the same wall and sort of "layered" the dresses over each other - items on the top hook hanging over items on the bottom hook. This worked too for a while, until it didn't.</div>
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Enter the large metal hook! It is rated to handle less weight than the plastic jumbo hook, but for me it was the clear winner. Now that we have closets that fit my dresses, I use them on the bathroom door to hang our towels on for drying between uses. This looks much better than those plastic "over-the-door" hook solutions and although they don't provide the extra hangar space, I never used that so I don't miss it. We do still use a couple of the over-the-door hangers, more on those later too.</div>
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In the beginning of living small, we had my 17 year old son still living at home and he desperately needed some privacy. Though I couldn't offer soundproofing, I could offer some semblance of his own space. I purchased some tabbed curtains, modified them with the help of a talented seamstress friend and used these mini hooks to hang the curtains without putting any holes in any of the wood or walls. They worked perfectly and created a solution that helped make things a little less miserable for a 17 year old living in a tiny house with his parents. (Looking back, I feel really badly that we went tiny before he was on his own. Don't do this to your teenagers, just don't.)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbPJ5csP04Y/Tysww0tBrcI/AAAAAAAACbg/kioco3IuxGA/s1600/medium3Mrefillstrips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbPJ5csP04Y/Tysww0tBrcI/AAAAAAAACbg/kioco3IuxGA/s200/medium3Mrefillstrips.jpg" width="135" /></a>But what do you do when you have removed the last hook and you've run out of adhesive strips to hang them again somewhere else that they're most needed? I can't tell you how long I searched for an answer to that question and just last month I discovered refills of every size at Target. My husband was amused by my excited squeals but I'm not kidding you, I refused to buy new packs of hooks every time I needed new adhesive. Now I have them and can begin to use them here in our new living space without doing any damage to walls and wood and tile.</div>
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I keep the extras handy. I store them all together in a plastic zip closing bag under the sink and pull out a hook and its matching adhesive strip when I need them. 3M is constantly adding to this versatile line of organization tools and I see they've developed an adhesive strip made for hot, wet areas like the bathroom shower! They've created wall baskets and hooks for in the shower...no more do you have to drill through your tile into the wall to hang items in your shower. Just head down to your local store and pick up what you need. I've seen these at all the major drug store chains, some craft stores, all the hardware stores and of course the big multi department stores like Target and Walmart. I've only seen the refills at Target.</div>
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To see the variety of 3M Command items visit their website here: <a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/">http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/</a></div>
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I am digging the new "spring clips" which come in handy when your refrigerator is aluminum and therefore magnets won't work!</div>
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Have you used these? If so, how and did you like them? Know of something better?</div>
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Disclaimer: I have never received any samples of these to use for review. This is my honest opinion on the product(s) mentioned as I've used them.</div>
</div>~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-36386382751423039552012-02-01T18:16:00.000-08:002013-03-21T21:06:38.070-07:00meeting christian kazimir – builder of tiny homes in ocean shores, washingtonBack in June of 2011, my son Sam and I went to visit the properties of a builder in Ocean Shores, Washington.<br />
Christian Kazimir is the builder of some amazing "tiny homes" on this lovely stretch of beach land and brush. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1o0hdXjZVY0/TymeslMHTNI/AAAAAAAACZA/4tYYps1P6E0/s1600/2011-06-04_07-51-56_465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1o0hdXjZVY0/TymeslMHTNI/AAAAAAAACZA/4tYYps1P6E0/s320/2011-06-04_07-51-56_465.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ocean Shores, WA Where the beach goes on forever and ever</div>
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Christian's vision of home building is to get the most spacious feeling in a small space with the least disturbance of the existing flora native to the building site. He clears only what he must for the foundation and walkways, then he makes sure the little house has all the comforts of home.<br />
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We arrived in the late morning for a tour of the current build at the time. A set of tiny Victorian style homes called Sea Bright Cottages. They were in the mid/beginning stages of building, the outer walls were completed as well as the inner framing and plumbing. The attention to details and comforts was apparent everywhere I looked.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ecdsCz9DOgw/Tyme5pvoJYI/AAAAAAAACZY/t9GcChZiF18/s1600/2011-06-04_11-12-13_510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ecdsCz9DOgw/Tyme5pvoJYI/AAAAAAAACZY/t9GcChZiF18/s320/2011-06-04_11-12-13_510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There were 4 homes on this plot, in various modes of construction. This is the one we toured.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_efLQe6fwWs/Tyme67LjpgI/AAAAAAAACZo/YRAus6fr0Q8/s1600/2011-06-04_11-16-34_123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_efLQe6fwWs/Tyme67LjpgI/AAAAAAAACZo/YRAus6fr0Q8/s320/2011-06-04_11-16-34_123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looking thru the living area/bedroom wall into the bathroom/laundry room.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtCzNQtNCdM/Tyme7dsP3DI/AAAAAAAACZw/9hRPk6RmyAw/s1600/2011-06-04_11-16-37_848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtCzNQtNCdM/Tyme7dsP3DI/AAAAAAAACZw/9hRPk6RmyAw/s320/2011-06-04_11-16-37_848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The ceiling has built in recessed lighting, saving the home owner having to use precious floor space for lighting. To the left of this photo is the top of the bathroom/laundry room wall. The space above will be left open for storage and or decorating. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GawoSHy9-Z4/Tyme8CFLO9I/AAAAAAAACZ4/XOx0v31xvA0/s1600/2011-06-04_11-16-49_502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GawoSHy9-Z4/Tyme8CFLO9I/AAAAAAAACZ4/XOx0v31xvA0/s320/2011-06-04_11-16-49_502.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Loft which wisely uses the space overhanging the front porch. Who doesn't love a front porch? I'd love to see this idea of the smart use of space in more builds like this, so smart!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSdJVdmDl7w/Tyme-O06UVI/AAAAAAAACaQ/UJUM-9t_Oss/s1600/2011-06-04_11-20-59_162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSdJVdmDl7w/Tyme-O06UVI/AAAAAAAACaQ/UJUM-9t_Oss/s320/2011-06-04_11-20-59_162.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The house next door, there were two in front, this is the rear, right side home. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQQWuLoB1hM/Tyme6JunCLI/AAAAAAAACZg/xtCe1_ExNBc/s1600/2011-06-04_11-16-28_385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQQWuLoB1hM/Tyme6JunCLI/AAAAAAAACZg/xtCe1_ExNBc/s320/2011-06-04_11-16-28_385.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The window looking toward the beach, this is generally the bedroom/living space area, depending on how the home owner decides to layout the space. Christian offered an option to build bookshelves in the middle of the large floor space to separate bedroom/living room and add some storage. It's a cool way to separate the space and I saw it used in another development he built earlier - keep reading!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86zUruJfyvM/Tyme8vkfhtI/AAAAAAAACaA/8Auulvz87cM/s1600/2011-06-04_11-17-36_524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86zUruJfyvM/Tyme8vkfhtI/AAAAAAAACaA/8Auulvz87cM/s320/2011-06-04_11-17-36_524.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the view out of the window in what will become the kitchen. Coastal scrub and flowers, just natural and pretty and almost as far as the eye can see.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aeqy8qXL2lY/Tyme9aPxJaI/AAAAAAAACaI/GapUw51z9NY/s1600/2011-06-04_11-19-10_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aeqy8qXL2lY/Tyme9aPxJaI/AAAAAAAACaI/GapUw51z9NY/s320/2011-06-04_11-19-10_35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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About the time we stopped by to visit, they were adding the special touches to the outside. The molding and special facing that gives a Victorian style home its character. Look at the special attention to the window frames. So pretty.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdXwRN5ccvE/TymfCh7mtPI/AAAAAAAACa4/greBekj50Y0/s1600/2011-06-04_11-31-11_510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdXwRN5ccvE/TymfCh7mtPI/AAAAAAAACa4/greBekj50Y0/s320/2011-06-04_11-31-11_510.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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This is Christian Kazimir, the talented designer/builder of these beautiful little homes. Thanks again for your hospitality and the tour!</div>
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Want to see the finished homes? Visit the Facebook page here: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SeaBrightCottages">http://www.facebook.com/SeaBrightCottages</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOWuKSJVmJk/TymfBG1ia7I/AAAAAAAACao/02oMF8BfxNU/s1600/2011-06-04_11-29-50_142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOWuKSJVmJk/TymfBG1ia7I/AAAAAAAACao/02oMF8BfxNU/s320/2011-06-04_11-29-50_142.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After we got the thorough tour of the Sea Bright Cottages, Christian walked us over to the development he'd just finished and showed us a couple spaces where he plans to build two more in this same theme, with just a tad more floor space. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEcsfZ0g1nY/TymfAJ6k3vI/AAAAAAAACag/CjceYXRFnAo/s1600/2011-06-04_11-26-14_282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEcsfZ0g1nY/TymfAJ6k3vI/AAAAAAAACag/CjceYXRFnAo/s320/2011-06-04_11-26-14_282.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was the entrance to one of the Avalon Cottages built nearby. These were AMAZING and my son was in love almost instantly. They have a real "beach house" vibe without the huge space to maintain. Enough space for 4 to spend a week together or 2 to live comfortably with the occasional visit from no more than 2 other people. Of course, when the weather is nice, you could have more visitors come and stay. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxAzHQLEc-o/Tyme--JaloI/AAAAAAAACaY/RUtplcW2TFg/s1600/2011-06-04_11-25-27_196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxAzHQLEc-o/Tyme--JaloI/AAAAAAAACaY/RUtplcW2TFg/s320/2011-06-04_11-25-27_196.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another design feature I truly loved: Although the cottages sit fairly close to each other, each porch or patio is "screened off" in a way that fits the build. It adds privacy AND beauty to the little neighborhood.</div>
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These cottages were about 600 square feet, and in a while, there will be two more, slightly larger cottages in this neighborhood with the same theme. The two newer cottages will include an addition bedroom adding a couple hundred more square feet to the build. Still a small home but oh so welcoming, don't you think?</div>
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To see more detail of the Avalon Cottages, including shots of the interior, visit the Facebook page here: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AvalonCottages">http://www.facebook.com/AvalonCottages</a></div>
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All in all, I hope Christian will continue to build his tiny homes, he has a wonderful vision and a great eye for the use of space. These are truly well built, cozy, comfortable living spaces for those who can appreciate a smaller footprint. Not to mention the ease of upkeep! You'll spend less time cleaning your space and a whole lot more time enjoying it. Who wouldn't love that?</div>
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The best part of the day for me was the drive back to my son's apartment in Seattle. My 23 year old couldn't stop raving about the Avalon Cottages and would love to own a tiny home one day. I think that's cool. </div>
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To learn more about Christian Kazimir's designs and builds, you can find details at the following Facebook pages:</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChristianKazimirConstruction">http://www.facebook.com/ChristianKazimirConstruction</a>
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and you can watch his current project, Wildwood Crest Bungalows progress here: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wildwoodcrestbungalows">http://www.facebook.com/wildwoodcrestbungalows</a></div>
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Please come build some tiny homes in California Christian! Thank you so much for your hospitality. </div>
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<br />~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-79402123929372011662011-05-03T14:13:00.000-07:002012-03-16T16:42:00.396-07:00blog changes/refocus of purposeSo I'm revamping the blog a little. I'm still going to feature ideas for living simply in a small space because I am passionate about keeping my footprint on this earth down to something from which it can easily recover.<br />
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But there is more to living Simple Symmetry than just the space one occupies...there is the space one is occupied BY. The space within. Our purpose, values, ideas...and dealing with the everyday messiness of the mind.<br />
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I've been doing a ton of reading/studying/self-reflection and I need a space to write about this facet of my life along with other "simple life" types of things. They all go together in my world.<br />
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So I hope you'll all enjoy the changes, the post count should go up now too. I hope you'll weigh in with your own insights and thoughts about what I post. I'm looking forward to learning from a variety of viewpoints!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6maB8hrETM/TcDOPUbBLMI/AAAAAAAAA3c/qfJYhZujB1w/s1600/flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6maB8hrETM/TcDOPUbBLMI/AAAAAAAAA3c/qfJYhZujB1w/s400/flower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo by Eric Jacobs</div>
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Today's epiphany was compliments of <a href="http://www.bnet.com/">BNet</a> a fantastic sight for all things motivational, business, inspiration and just good stuffs. You have to join, but it's free. Today I read an article about multitasking and was struck by the last bullet point:<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.bnet.com/blog/ceo/10-truths-about-multitasking/7353?promo=713&tag=nl.e713">Likewise, when you’re meeting one-on-one or in a small group, you should give them your undivided attention. Not only is that more efficient for everyone,<b> it’s called treating people with respect. </b></a></li>
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That one hit me right between the eyes! The whole experience of reading that one bullet point began with some mental finger pointing in the direction of one of the people I deal with on a daily basis. Oh I was righteously indignant and that finger was LONG! But then, there was this sudden turning of the finger...and I remembered that "silly" thing I learned so many years ago. The things that bug you the most about others are the things you don't like or won't acknowledge about yourself. BINGO! I am so guilty of this, no wonder it derails me when I am on the receiving end. I'm trying to wake myself up! </div>
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Ok, I'm awake. This week I practice giving others my full attention. This week I practice offering them my respect.</div>~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-51829219979313317192011-02-03T09:03:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:42:13.158-07:00more small homesSeems more and more Folks are looking to live simply without unneeded extravagance. I like some of these tiny homes, but not all of them. Which one is your favorite? (click the Picture to go look!)<br />
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<a href="http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=27451112"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fp0zn-05lWI/TUrfY2SPAXI/AAAAAAAAA2c/W3LSW2k5mHs/s400/small+Oregon+Home.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-34146594165020068742010-06-25T19:03:00.000-07:002013-03-21T21:09:26.928-07:00shabby chic victorian cottage in the catskill mountainsOk, so I admit it's a bit "girly" but I am a girl, so I love it. The surroundings, the house, everything.<br />
Look at this front view:<br />
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/24/garden/24cottage.html?no_interstitial"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/06/24/garden/24cottagespanSUB-1/24cottagespanSUB-1-articleLarge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Click the picture for the article in the NY Times</div>
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This was originally a hunting cabin in the Catskill mountains. The woman in the picture, Sandra Foster, renovated the whole thing for the cost of about $3000.00, furniture included. </div>
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For more pictures, there is a link in the article to follow to see the inside, surrounding areas and to learn more about Ms. Foster and her husband. You can also click the following photograph.</div>
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/06/23/garden/20100624-chic-slideshow.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/06/24/garden/24cottage-2/Cottage-2-popup.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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(I even like the idea that the bedroom is all hers!) Another small space I could call home, except for the missing heat and bathroom...fix that and I'm IN!~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-27150442900951858832010-05-13T14:31:00.000-07:002012-03-16T16:42:47.331-07:00found the perfect table!Well, almost perfect. It's the perfect size and height...absolutely perfect in that way. <br />
I picked it up for a sweet 10 bux at the local thrift store. It could use a refinishing and a good sanding, to smooth out a nick or two, but it'll do the trick.<br />
Living in an RV, I don't need it to be too fancy...not in this RV anyway...maybe the next one.<br />
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Unfortunately, I also learned that the printer is up at my MIL's so it will be a while still, before I have that in place. <br />
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I'll post a picture of it later. Thrift stores rock!~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-87517895046651591292010-04-18T12:42:00.001-07:002012-03-16T16:42:59.061-07:00my new video! you can make one too!<object height="344" width="425"><param name='movie' value='http://www.youtube.com/v/xyh4BdydYsk&hl=en_US&fs=1&'>
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<param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'>
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<param name='allowscriptaccess' value='always'>
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<embed src='http://www.youtube.com/v/xyh4BdydYsk&hl=en_US&fs=1&' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowscriptaccess='always' allowfullscreen='true' width='425' height='344'></embed></object>~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-14604774136318578692010-03-15T13:29:00.000-07:002012-03-16T16:43:09.179-07:00unexpected guests?<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a cute little number that doubles as an ottoman by day into evening and when you need an extra bed, it folds open to become a comfy bed! I have used those inflatable Aerobeds that are famous for being the height of a real bed, though there aren't, and I can never get warm enough to sleep. For some, the Aerobed is a great solution since they prefer cooler temps for sleeping. </div>
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It's possible that I might appreciate an Aerobed in the heat of summer...oh wait, it was Las Vegas in September! Nevermind. Even a blanket to sleep on wasn't enough. But THIS little bed would be warm and cozy. It's quite a bit more narrow than a traditional twin bed - 9 inches actually - and only an inch longer than a traditional twin. Still, a good solution to have an extra bed around in a studio apartment, dorm room or even a den. Look!<br />
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As a Bed</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fp0zn-05lWI/S5Xfp40-tWI/AAAAAAAAAXg/0Cq_u_6MkY4/s1600-h/ottoman-bed-85157x1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fp0zn-05lWI/S5Xfp40-tWI/AAAAAAAAAXg/0Cq_u_6MkY4/s320/ottoman-bed-85157x1.jpg" /></a></div>
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As an ottoman</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fp0zn-05lWI/S5XfonAyrFI/AAAAAAAAAXY/NKQ4qHt_xsY/s1600-h/ottoman-bed-85157xi3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fp0zn-05lWI/S5XfonAyrFI/AAAAAAAAAXY/NKQ4qHt_xsY/s320/ottoman-bed-85157xi3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Pretty cool!</div>
For my purposes, it would be great to have a couple of ottomans for putting our feet up at the end of the day, and all the while, I'd know I could handle a couple more overnight guests than are supplied with the built in sleep areas within my home.<br />
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Once again, you can find it here: <a href="http://www.improvementscatalog.com/product/single-ottoman-bed-.do#">www.improvementscatalog.com</a><br />
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I realize I've posted a bunch of items from this company. I assure you all, I am not affiliated in any way. I just received a catalog and realized there would be some great stuff in there for me to mention here. So there you have it. I suppose there will be other posts from this catalog company as I did see a couple other items I'm thinking about, but then, another catalog might arrive with great ideas too.</div>
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Do you have some favorite sites/catalogs like Improvements for me to check out? Would love to know about them!</div>~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-84507493953142180082010-03-13T13:25:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:43:29.631-07:00the coolest little table ever!<div style="margin: 0px;">
I found the perfect table for the next trailer we own. When we have that sweet fifth wheel, I shall tell them to keep their dining room table and replace it with this sweet little space saving gem!</div>
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It will live against a wall - perhaps beneath a sunny window - when not in use and it will be so perfect! See?</div>
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And when it's time to enjoy dinner or something that requires a little more table space, I'll open it up and do this:</div>
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And if we have more company, I'll get the 2 extra FOLDING chairs and the two extra leaves out of the "basement" storage and do this!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fp0zn-05lWI/S5XTXUgWD3I/AAAAAAAAAXI/740r0m5720Y/s1600-h/expandable-dining-table-330977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fp0zn-05lWI/S5XTXUgWD3I/AAAAAAAAAXI/740r0m5720Y/s320/expandable-dining-table-330977.jpg" /></a></div>
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What style I choose depends entirely upon the interior decor of the fifth wheel. I like them both equally. Pretty neat, huh? This would work really well in a studio apartment too. </div>
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Find it here: <a href="http://www.improvementscatalog.com/product/3-in-1-expandable-wood-table.do#">www.improvementscatalog.com</a></div>
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What do you think?</div>~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-10994234242679112482010-03-10T13:10:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:43:43.065-07:00green candlelightWHAT???<br />
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Ok, living in a trailer, it's sometimes a bit scary to have open flame around the house, even if it is romantic, pretty or just gives a festive feel to entertaining. I had to find a solution to that problem but then I saw this and while the disposable ones last a long time, this one just seems more responsible to me.<br />
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If you've never tried these, I hope you will. Burning wax isn't the best thing for your health or the environment - where did you think that wax goes??? I wasn't big on artificial candlelight, but I picked up some GE battery powered artificial candles back in 2008 to use to make the rustic ladies restroom at the park into a less rustic and more inviting space for women to check their makeup and it was just another nice touch to add to the specialness of the day. (The purse hooks we hung up are still on the stall walls! More on those hooks in a future post.) I went up the hill in my gown to use the facilities and I was so impressed with the ambient glow of those little lights. They really do flicker like candlelight. I was impressed and so were so many of the ladies who weren't even attending the wedding festivities - just enjoying a day at the park. I was so happy for them to enjoy it too. Unfortunately, there are no photos of the restrooms. Our photographer was male. :)<br />
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These little cuties are rechargeable. Again, a solution best left on the shelf until I have a basement area to set this up and then I can have some charging while using the others. These only last 12 hours, and I'm absolutely certain the GE disposables (though you can replace the batteries) last a lot longer than that. This is simpler than replacing the batteries and can be put out of site. I think it's a good solution!<br />
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You can also pick these up at <a href="http://www.improvementscatalog.com/product/rechargeable-tea-light-candles-12-pack.do#">www.improvementscatalog.com</a>~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-34097192931238216212010-03-08T22:00:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:43:56.563-07:00dotz!I first learned about these on the <a href="http://radiantorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/03/3-no-four-fantastically-easy-organizing.html">Radiant Organizing blog</a> - a great blog with useful tips on getting, and staying organized.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cordotz.com/">DOTZ</a> are a colorful little clamp on, easy to use, cord organizing solution. Preprinted labels - picture labels, so it doesn't matter what language is spoken, anyone can figure these out - are included with a set.<br />
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When you move things around a lot, (disconnect the flatscreen and put it safely on the bed so it won't topple on a hard right turn) it's useful to have a "map" rather than starting all over again: Where does the DVD cable go? what's this one? How come I have an extra cable??? :-D<br />
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This is a simple idea but makes so much sense! Check them out! These are also available at Improvements.~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-52070825423568383922010-03-08T21:27:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:44:06.314-07:00managing mail<div>
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The husband and I get a lot of mail. Seems it's an unending stream of paper coming in and not so much going out. I have as many things coming to us as "paperless" as I can, yet still, we are indated with wood pulp.</div>
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We used to have a multi purpose printer/scanner/fax/copier in the house but after moving a couple times, the husband decided we "didn't need it." I continue to sing the ballad of "Yes we do and here's why!" Yet, here we are, over a year later...and no printer/scanner/fax/copier here. I am one sad panda, I tell you.</div>
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Part of the problem is that we need a table for it. This table must serve well. It must be of a certain measurement - I believe something like 24 inches wide by no more than 14 inches deep - yet not much more shallow either - probably closer to 3 feet tall rather than 2, have no bottom shelf but allow access for our doggie to get to her food and water because those bowls will need to keep their home under that table. If I can just find the right table...I will have my printer back!</div>
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I want to scan all this paper and turn it into bits and bytes that we can access when we need to. Back it up in "the cloud" and then shred the actual paper for recycling.<br />
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We had an issue with mail piling up on the dinette table or on the mini counter in front of the Television so we purchased some wall pockets which hubby installed for us each on the wall on our sides of the bed. These work pretty well to "catch" incoming mail and paperwork. Still, they get to overflowing due to having no where to really store all that stuff.</div>
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I want my printer/scanner/fax/copier back please...pronto. But I need to find the perfect table for it. Any ideas? I've tried so many places!</div>
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Heck! I'll go for simple, slow as molasses and easy too. Just keep me out of the "complicated" range. Complicated involves scalpels and sutures and icky stuff like that!<br />
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In the meantime, I've been glad to have found a local drugstore that RENTS crutches for $2 USD per day. I would much rather rent them or borrow them than have to purchase yet another pair and then give them to good will or some other place that will use them since I have nowhere to store them and no reason to WANT to.<br />
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But there is another way, and if you have an unused pair of crutches, a wheelchair, canes, bathroom safety supplies, and/or perhaps a nursery monitor, blood pressure monitor, or some other reuseable piece of medical equipment, I invite you to do a google search for "loan closet" and your city to see what comes up. If you do get a hit, it's generally from the American Red Cross or a local Hospice service. Both great causes to which you can donate your items. Saves you on storage and also, should you need an item in the future, you can contact them to see if they can loan you what you need.<br />
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For me, this completely solves the storage issue while allowing me to give something back to the community. After my mother died back in 1989, we donated everything we'd purchased for her comfort to the hospice care that helped us care for her. That included a baby/nursery monitor. So you never know what they may have that might help you out in your time of need.<br />
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Times are tough for many, and those folks still get hurt and need crutches or wheels...$50 for a pair of crutches is affordable to many, but too many have to give up some food or heat to be able to buy them. So donate items or cash to your local American Red Cross. They do so much more than just disaster relief.~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-15761025622728244872010-01-09T12:10:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:44:27.424-07:00yes, I could live here!I saw this a few weeks back and thought to myself, "I could totally do this for a couple years!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/cozy_crazy_couple_makes_tight_studio_R15ToNFTaJE3c17zkw4efP"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424837804225071506" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fp0zn-05lWI/S0jlPazyCZI/AAAAAAAAAB0/r-_K433gwA8/s200/ny+apartment.jpg" style="float: left; height: 152px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Not permanently, no way...but to live in NYC near Central Park amidst the hubbub and fun...in a tiny, easy to manage space...so very, very cool!<br />
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<a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/city_tiniest_studio_AF3nqD1kArYgpdyTyjNnXP">175 square feet of bliss</a> for 2-3 years...yeah, I'm into it.<br />
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I would change a few things: I LOVE wine, but I'd replace the wine rack with an armoir for closet space. I wouldn't have cats (allergic) and I'd install one of those slick, over-the-toilet cabinet racks. Jef and I both work on laptops using online tools for storage of data and documents...so I do like the idea of a wall monitor for viewing movies and hulu shows. :)<br />
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The biggest challenge would be finding the right way to hang the guitar and the keyboard on the wall for easy access when needed and out-of-the-way decorative storage when not needed.<br />
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Didn't think I could ever want to go smaller than my current living space...but you know what they say: Location, Location, Location!~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-4383190631641613082010-01-09T09:12:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:44:39.067-07:00nail polish storageSorry for the wonky post, I've been trying to get this one posted for an hour now...IE keeps freezing up so, I'm doing it MY way, and will start the way IE wanted me to ANOTHER time. :p<br />
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On to the post for today:<br />
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Since I've recently re-ignited my interest in nail polish/nail art thanks to the wonderful technology that is "quick dry top coats," I need a workable option to store all these bottles in one place and in a neat, organized fashion.<br />
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A couple weekends ago, I headed out in search of such a solution and after hours of wandering the storage section of my local Kmart, finding shoe storage boxes that tapered or had grooves I didn't need, I happened upon the special "Christmas decor storage" section.<br />
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See, I was looking for something truly squared at all corners and flat on the bottom. Stackable was definitely a necessity as adding on to the stack in the future was a great possiblity...(I think I have room for three tiers. LOL!) <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fp0zn-05lWI/S0i5iyxqWRI/AAAAAAAAABk/x4AIuuY_3hM/s1600-h/snapware.jpg"></a><br />
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I turned the corner and found THIS:<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fp0zn-05lWI/S0jAkAFiMrI/AAAAAAAAABs/Yd706DqJt7s/s1600-h/snapware.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424797475898798770" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fp0zn-05lWI/S0jAkAFiMrI/AAAAAAAAABs/Yd706DqJt7s/s200/snapware.jpg" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
So perfect for my space, and each level comes with cardboard inserts to create sections, but you can purchase plastic inserts as well.<br />
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You can find more information here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.snapware.com//product_buy.asp?dept%5Fid=2001">Snapware</a><br />
I still have room in the second tier and will be getting some of the plastic inserts (using cardboard for now)...I need to be able to have one tier just for nail art supplies eventually, so I may end up with 2 of these complete boxes as that is what will fit in the spot under my couch. <br />
I was hoping these would fit inside the small closet on my side of the bed, but alas! they are just a bit too wide to fit through the door opening. They'd fit well once inside, but getting them in and out would involve tipping them on their side. NOT a good idea when dealing with glass bottles. :(<br />
So, I'll use this solution until they make one just a bit slimmer - yes, I've asked them to make one. In the meantime, I have a workable container and place to keep my "stash!"<br />
What storage options do you use for your hobby(ies)?~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-68255093676727484502009-12-09T06:48:00.001-08:002012-03-16T16:44:48.373-07:00getting this out of the way...then on to better thingsThis policy is valid from 09 December 2009<br />
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This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact me at simple.sym at gmail.com.<br />
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This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, we will and do accept and keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation from companies and organizations.<br />
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The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements.<br />
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The owner of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.<br />
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This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.<br />
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To get your own policy, go to <a href="http://www.disclosurepolicy.org/">http://www.disclosurepolicy.org/</a>~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366007670364484039.post-60885351243619169582009-12-03T20:54:00.000-08:002012-03-16T16:44:55.529-07:00it begins...Hello Blogosphere (again!)<br />
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This time I visit you to write about my experiences of trying to keep it all together in a teeny-tiny space. I'll share tips, products, recipes, thoughts, pet photos and ideas for helping keep their stuff organized and anything else that fits the theme I've set for this space.<br />
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I've never been a very organized person, (one visit to my office at work will verify that!) And yet, for some reason, whenever I go camping or travelling I become the most organized person I know. Lucky for me, my husband and I made the leap a few years ago to become full time RV dwellers. Let me make it clear, we are not "trailer trash." Though my house sometimes gets a little messy before a good cleaning happens again, in fact, it's about that time now! We are not forced to live this lifestyle. We chose it and we LOVE it! Hopefully, as I write more here, that will become clearer to anyone who visits.<br />
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In July of 2006, we purchased a Fleetwood Pioneer Travel Trailer and moved in. We tried a few spots and settled on a nice park just a 5 min walk from the house we were renting for more than 3 times what we pay now. And that, especially during the current economic climate, is a very good thing!<br />
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When we first moved into the trailer, my then 17 year old son was still living with us and going to high school. He did his best to cohabitate, but the challenges in this little space were just too much for a young person to bear, and so he lives somewhere else now. I did do some cool things to try to create a space for him that was his own and I'll share that somewhere down the line.<br />
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I will say this: You do not realize how much you need a separate room with an actual door that shuts until you DO NOT have one. So there is a plan to upgrade to a model with a separate room at some point in the not too far future.<br />
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We hope to travel the states with our little home one day, but for now we are quite happy to live and work in Santa Barbara, CA where the average temperature year 'round is about 70 degrees. I am not sure I could find a better place to live this lifestyle.<br />
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There are definitely days when I wish I had a bigger space, a house, a yard...all the things that go with that...but I had those and while they were nice, they weren't a good fit for me. I feel at home this way. I like the idea of travelling and taking my place and all my stuff with me wherever I go! So come with me and learn how to make the most of a small space, whether you travel, live in a studio apartment, are a fellow RV full-timer or just want to pick up some tips for keeping things from taking over the space you have.<br />
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Maybe, just maybe, I'll figure out a way to transfer these skills to my workplace.<br />
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Simple Symmetry is about keeping life simple, not overloading yourself with "stuff" and keeping the "stuff" you really do value together and easy to find, use and put away again. It's also going to be a little about just keeping life simple. Stepping out of the rat-race and living authentically. Checking to make sure you're not encumbered by too much "stuff."<br />
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This is my vision for this blog. I hope you'll enjoy it and visit often. I will post something at least weekly, but hope to post at least three times a week.~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284216550238824479noreply@blogger.com0