tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31637270010280877792024-03-06T03:30:29.783-05:00AM Dolce VitaWe moved into custom built home in 2009, only to have to renovate all over again to fit my ever-changing tastes and styles. The process itself and the anticipation throughout has been the most thrilling part of this journey. I hope you find my blog fun and enjoyable.Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comBlogger708125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-63735789117355448462023-08-22T14:43:00.010-04:002023-08-22T14:44:39.030-04:00How to Visually Open Up Your Space<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">~~~Feature Post~~~</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gone are
the days when homes had to be small and dark, just to keep the heat in. Today
with modern insulation, windows, and innovative HVAC systems, you can keep your
home the perfect temperature even if it’s fully open plan. The fact that you
can enjoy even these open spaces all year around has been a game changer for
interior design. It means that you can make any home brighter. Even just
visually opening up your space can do wonders for your home and your quality of
life.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you’re not
sure where to begin with opening up your interior design, don’t worry, this
guide has your back.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Use Glass Railings</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Glass
railings and fences are one of the easiest ways to open up your space and
modernize it all at once. Glass railings inside are a must to open up areas
like your stairwell, which can traditionally be quite dark due to the shape of
the stairs. Outside glass fences can be used to open up the view. Particularly
if your home is on a hill, </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://usglassfence.com/"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">glass fence installers</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> can turn your view from great to utterly
spectacular. You’ll want as little obstruction as possible when it comes to
both light and views, so if a railing or fence is getting in your way (but also
a safety requirement) then a glass fence is the ideal compromise.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Use Light Colors</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One of the
best and easiest ways to brighten the interior of a home </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://sciencing.com/colors-reflect-light-8398645.html"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">is to use light colors</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">. Don’t worry if you’re someone who
hates white walls, as any light shade will do. You can use yellows, blues, and
even greens — just make sure that the shades you choose reflect as much light
as possible.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tNxlCytVy1bvjtLPR8FgW_MhT-vBkcDvD7j-ggrB8rpCXMtC_-XFdv_LofkQl1k-bdKOqG62SMN-eXIdQcUYHMYdPsYgWfzwW_8Dx6nxJgJScQN_TAzkXOquC0-QcLnGdA1tV_vsF7jP-vcQL2s9c3YjpuOAj5NU6y5wT2q5athylGT3A8ouh6oXHq-V/s3997/IMG_3567_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3997" data-original-width="2983" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tNxlCytVy1bvjtLPR8FgW_MhT-vBkcDvD7j-ggrB8rpCXMtC_-XFdv_LofkQl1k-bdKOqG62SMN-eXIdQcUYHMYdPsYgWfzwW_8Dx6nxJgJScQN_TAzkXOquC0-QcLnGdA1tV_vsF7jP-vcQL2s9c3YjpuOAj5NU6y5wT2q5athylGT3A8ouh6oXHq-V/w299-h400/IMG_3567_jpg.jpg" width="299" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Use Mirrors</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b></b></span></span><b><br /></b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another
simple, but effective way to open up your space visually is to use mirrors.
Mirrors bounce light and reflect it throughout the home over and over. Don’t
think you have to use just mirrors, either. The glass on top of pictures also
works to reflect the light.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwysmCnn8Lo5GOYjBMHftZXsgKNOBTRH7LFLebxFYae8LXOoZO58nTzFFpEs3M5TmlfiPPxn4_Qm0LQFBxpHzh9wLqj83_9W7fFWFeCYOPgcfYx2BpvQGRArwjz7uNgxSZRQ4rmlQNNwJN_GepQjHvPg_pmYuCC7u27wIk65mkbOUuf2rc_8dciG2l_Rrc/s3846/IMG_9958_jpg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3846" data-original-width="2884" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwysmCnn8Lo5GOYjBMHftZXsgKNOBTRH7LFLebxFYae8LXOoZO58nTzFFpEs3M5TmlfiPPxn4_Qm0LQFBxpHzh9wLqj83_9W7fFWFeCYOPgcfYx2BpvQGRArwjz7uNgxSZRQ4rmlQNNwJN_GepQjHvPg_pmYuCC7u27wIk65mkbOUuf2rc_8dciG2l_Rrc/w300-h400/IMG_9958_jpg.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>When to Open Up a Wall</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If your
home is particularly old and each room is very, very dark, then your best bet
is to open up a wall, or even two. To really help brighten a space, each room
should have at least two windows. This is particularly important for living
spaces on the ground floor. If you have a small home, then open up your walls
so that you gain access to light from the front and back of your home.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Declutter</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b></b></span></span><b><br /></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Last but
not least, </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.thespruce.com/decluttering-your-entire-home-2648002"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">declutter</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">. All the above tips will mean
nothing if your home is full to the brim with things that you don’t use or even
like. Decluttering everything from knick-knacks to even furniture pieces can do
wonders for opening up the floorplan and letting your interior design breathe. Other
ways to hide your clutter include choosing multi-purpose furniture that has
hidden storage or investing in vertical storage solutions like shelves to get
things off the floor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-83439810727799679522023-08-17T22:03:00.001-04:002023-08-17T22:03:33.550-04:00Find Me on Instagram<p> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi Blog friends! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am still around and still very much in the interior design/styling sphere! I can't believe it's been over a year since I last posted here and nearly two years since I posted new content about my Hilltop House! Time does fly when you have a very busy career and a super active toddler! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the very little spare time I have left for myself every day, I spent it on things that always inspire me - interior design. I posted all the new photos of my custom build, from the construction two years ago to the now furnishing and styling, on my Instagram account amdolcevita. You can find me at https://www.instagram.com/amdolcevita/. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">You will notice my Hilltop House style is quite a departure from my last house. It's more modern, soft minimal, and definitely far more livable. I've been keeping the accessorizing to a minimum so every piece has a purpose and more presence in a room. Here are a few shots to give you an idea. If you love my new style, maybe I will meet you on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amdolcevita/">Instagram</a>? </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbyFXtnr4KIdooIK76My85o41QbrIa-D5bNTlWsNCDGscFgt3FIgNrj2XV2hktAiciucjk5wpukCxV1DwQBN_H2JlnSWsxJLICwG4H1MTTQ-m9SkMjrY19Jm4RlTOd_yBjgj6tB9Rjxn6M2dI3K8yvrT3J8GGfloYz0to_QQ6drfP-3wenxRdWMD_o9Kg/s3791/IMG_9792_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3791" data-original-width="2843" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbyFXtnr4KIdooIK76My85o41QbrIa-D5bNTlWsNCDGscFgt3FIgNrj2XV2hktAiciucjk5wpukCxV1DwQBN_H2JlnSWsxJLICwG4H1MTTQ-m9SkMjrY19Jm4RlTOd_yBjgj6tB9Rjxn6M2dI3K8yvrT3J8GGfloYz0to_QQ6drfP-3wenxRdWMD_o9Kg/w300-h400/IMG_9792_jpg.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our ground floor hallway custom built-in - it became the most used storage space on this floor! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_0hfWWye535ZjUaFDqQq3dkGwAJ6DWVW-D-_o1M1aXU_whWoBeRErKoA1FoCnr1qsLyDoRK4EGq8W7NWBg7RRt2qQOGEbogxkofQg5mzSwrS7LTVvKIh7Jj5TwgkTOJ_YPop3oIccDEQCWP1eZPAckaZyWJmWHJemEVAAbt1WlpScEhVcu7ByBE1fSDl/s3941/IMG_3536_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3941" data-original-width="2763" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_0hfWWye535ZjUaFDqQq3dkGwAJ6DWVW-D-_o1M1aXU_whWoBeRErKoA1FoCnr1qsLyDoRK4EGq8W7NWBg7RRt2qQOGEbogxkofQg5mzSwrS7LTVvKIh7Jj5TwgkTOJ_YPop3oIccDEQCWP1eZPAckaZyWJmWHJemEVAAbt1WlpScEhVcu7ByBE1fSDl/w280-h400/IMG_3536_jpg.jpg" width="280" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our family room featuring Timothy Oulton's floating marble coffee table sourced from ELTE, Christine Lemieux et Cie Baron plaster side table, Athena Calderone for Crate Relic oak and Pompeii pedestals, and Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Polly Checkered rug in the largest size 13x9'3". </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAlQ_PI3vNpii7cOrxcGq4AjF4O7qCVybZoxIUJssP5KOem75RaVqmpHYekzriJMtr0SZVtpitkyJV4yZpfehXs9474apMOjsG9PKqzC0YdMHYdd35okdWFt4dbnC86_fPBwk7CuHEnziVy-zVw5HmLz0bEybudB3_hGf_Q2BcjHMbMUmafX5SSXt4IDV/s3928/IMG_3599_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3928" data-original-width="2861" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAlQ_PI3vNpii7cOrxcGq4AjF4O7qCVybZoxIUJssP5KOem75RaVqmpHYekzriJMtr0SZVtpitkyJV4yZpfehXs9474apMOjsG9PKqzC0YdMHYdd35okdWFt4dbnC86_fPBwk7CuHEnziVy-zVw5HmLz0bEybudB3_hGf_Q2BcjHMbMUmafX5SSXt4IDV/w291-h400/IMG_3599_jpg.jpg" width="291" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7v_02A6e6Y_bHsiBEpAcfs0R-vFjb_MaBKkVYzfU_xyKUsLpR4F7RECfQwPHzyAxicgJInzplcTXUwHdptDfA86PDhYTgFDY54lfWopPBUnxht-BqgEMOqE20IpAB99xK4SvEqffwkBXOkHualk3nm9PKOsnTf_czrl44nbob8LLZjjhi_wKJohql-Ptb/s3896/IMG_5837_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3896" data-original-width="2621" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7v_02A6e6Y_bHsiBEpAcfs0R-vFjb_MaBKkVYzfU_xyKUsLpR4F7RECfQwPHzyAxicgJInzplcTXUwHdptDfA86PDhYTgFDY54lfWopPBUnxht-BqgEMOqE20IpAB99xK4SvEqffwkBXOkHualk3nm9PKOsnTf_czrl44nbob8LLZjjhi_wKJohql-Ptb/w269-h400/IMG_5837_jpg.jpg" width="269" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hallway and my office reading corner featuring the Sabine Marcelis x Ikea Varmblixt collection wall sconce, and of course, my forever loved Roly Poly chair. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cEbWwNyxaN4SIWj-bO_6WT3UY1WzxWEc1hULMBR0pndGaFxFn7Dor4W5sZ4qdZZkduVhmYbzJ-TojvVVoD0OfXyEKjUeHmBtJKA7Q0O1M4limFOB8yxc3wX9MLITYa1XDIVpdcWkOihNbEH4rEz-2aj7EsIVsmovE-3axfCJkL55acb_pOaEVdlgtUYr/s3833/IMG_7023_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3833" data-original-width="2832" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cEbWwNyxaN4SIWj-bO_6WT3UY1WzxWEc1hULMBR0pndGaFxFn7Dor4W5sZ4qdZZkduVhmYbzJ-TojvVVoD0OfXyEKjUeHmBtJKA7Q0O1M4limFOB8yxc3wX9MLITYa1XDIVpdcWkOihNbEH4rEz-2aj7EsIVsmovE-3axfCJkL55acb_pOaEVdlgtUYr/w295-h400/IMG_7023_jpg.jpg" width="295" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Athena Calderone for Crate and Barrel Honore oak sideboard and Colin King for Audo Copenhagen Surround vase. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg01h-87wBXXbyjf8xA9X-dqRs2tEm5VpU5YindSpEmczq56cOD8f3DxW_muCofWw4Bwxu5ErjksjE1pVcT4SjkJpLoXgqoWFtifmRjY2NlF4HjcB5C4HNtm3ritk8viw7IilC8-X2m-vKbtq41xkalkxo9kFidZkeialDkKbHwMTRSRV-x-Fb21aiMdGL/s3959/IMG_8237_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3959" data-original-width="2969" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg01h-87wBXXbyjf8xA9X-dqRs2tEm5VpU5YindSpEmczq56cOD8f3DxW_muCofWw4Bwxu5ErjksjE1pVcT4SjkJpLoXgqoWFtifmRjY2NlF4HjcB5C4HNtm3ritk8viw7IilC8-X2m-vKbtq41xkalkxo9kFidZkeialDkKbHwMTRSRV-x-Fb21aiMdGL/w300-h400/IMG_8237_jpg.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rove Concepts' Dresden modular sectional turned out to be so comfortable that I couldn't stop my toddler from lounging on it! </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg3R0K0nzAXgYbikPn2iipewaJs_AjR4jY0x_FRG71KC4Z-4HNhWU6WRr0qCxq9No6-g3cn20-DIBx1Dx2H458fCUhPNgBWbnVhbSWWJrTvqyEVJHgpH-GK5Lmxbz7ESHB3MBnoHOJdOhtO1TYOpxE14P_nF9odA1mk4N3oWKzVEne5rPtlXFqAfpM_WT/s3825/IMG_8854_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3825" data-original-width="2749" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg3R0K0nzAXgYbikPn2iipewaJs_AjR4jY0x_FRG71KC4Z-4HNhWU6WRr0qCxq9No6-g3cn20-DIBx1Dx2H458fCUhPNgBWbnVhbSWWJrTvqyEVJHgpH-GK5Lmxbz7ESHB3MBnoHOJdOhtO1TYOpxE14P_nF9odA1mk4N3oWKzVEne5rPtlXFqAfpM_WT/w288-h400/IMG_8854_jpg.jpg" width="288" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Baby's hand wash station, also known as our kitchen bar area. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbrzwrfX3MQGnX9p9Jcb28umjURJ6Ykq59IhYn4hZw_TYUTyEwmaPJjaUfQ1TLyVAuapAnuD_vZG_5RNDDyHNTQKX1BNXy44NA4po9-uIOzfr9H6p3jT-qaNI7vN7XG8tuV-nKB-JxlTZ0XGvW4ObB5geXifEO_A23WD0Xn9KsjxEZ3jmYObQ_gNa3d9I/s3918/IMG_5579_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3918" data-original-width="2939" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbrzwrfX3MQGnX9p9Jcb28umjURJ6Ykq59IhYn4hZw_TYUTyEwmaPJjaUfQ1TLyVAuapAnuD_vZG_5RNDDyHNTQKX1BNXy44NA4po9-uIOzfr9H6p3jT-qaNI7vN7XG8tuV-nKB-JxlTZ0XGvW4ObB5geXifEO_A23WD0Xn9KsjxEZ3jmYObQ_gNa3d9I/w300-h400/IMG_5579_jpg.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Kitchen</span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3Dj_6eISELDPEvX-PHgnQXgB7i2GdAml4CWOK08qVDeiGJkmjRE_2gy2Va-QqFVzczRglzH8UYG-mxpJ_dw8NU0UEb-Rx7G5uWWue4HRAWKi1OUUX4WCoW6pFbkgT-WJUX-o-2DDaGcYFKE-C1RRSslC3SB6sjBVOffTVDLicGMSAbiiy0jN0EJNf_97/s3973/IMG_4667_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3973" data-original-width="2859" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3Dj_6eISELDPEvX-PHgnQXgB7i2GdAml4CWOK08qVDeiGJkmjRE_2gy2Va-QqFVzczRglzH8UYG-mxpJ_dw8NU0UEb-Rx7G5uWWue4HRAWKi1OUUX4WCoW6pFbkgT-WJUX-o-2DDaGcYFKE-C1RRSslC3SB6sjBVOffTVDLicGMSAbiiy0jN0EJNf_97/w288-h400/IMG_4667_jpg.jpg" width="288" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Guest bathroom featuring Montana Labelle's marble hooks</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZbLGy9ru656dQqenBf-Hzznh6m62gD4bCx-DLt5_dVcRR6W4Rb-wTnWZBhHmKSzpVqd-pKVZs9Gv4klsDZm95rKMXGwc-w4RbJxoQrt5IKg1StHAYU7wLE9zxX95UUxqlN0U4fBJZcxRBqrTXblwAN7iGJ9MLorzOyPtzNMdOO89DQa75L6XnOx8_ExR/s3901/IMG_9152_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3901" data-original-width="2936" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZbLGy9ru656dQqenBf-Hzznh6m62gD4bCx-DLt5_dVcRR6W4Rb-wTnWZBhHmKSzpVqd-pKVZs9Gv4klsDZm95rKMXGwc-w4RbJxoQrt5IKg1StHAYU7wLE9zxX95UUxqlN0U4fBJZcxRBqrTXblwAN7iGJ9MLorzOyPtzNMdOO89DQa75L6XnOx8_ExR/w301-h400/IMG_9152_jpg.jpg" width="301" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another custom built by Canadian Closets using white oak cabinetry. Behind the closed doors are my husband's DVD collection (face palm emoji) and my son's toys and books. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq77Gu-i0Jq6uhOa5q3vgwxMwTs1WWXN35anKmdWpZKMWe0AltARQWi67Hea-PTgSF0tYDBfuLFPRB0HKxA5PSPd-2Y7-BI0AYwZC19TpcKw-tnPVzut2odeFeaAoXJWnFAGSeaVmIGQD6GkrHdH676H2G34iNtKaOuTBnpo5EqbtlNa1MNKBt-ISp-fs6/s3821/IMG_9629_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3821" data-original-width="2812" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq77Gu-i0Jq6uhOa5q3vgwxMwTs1WWXN35anKmdWpZKMWe0AltARQWi67Hea-PTgSF0tYDBfuLFPRB0HKxA5PSPd-2Y7-BI0AYwZC19TpcKw-tnPVzut2odeFeaAoXJWnFAGSeaVmIGQD6GkrHdH676H2G34iNtKaOuTBnpo5EqbtlNa1MNKBt-ISp-fs6/w294-h400/IMG_9629_jpg.jpg" width="294" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Front sitting room featuring Lawson Fenning for CB2 Muir chairs and Gus Modern Nord sofa in Rosseau Barley. Rug should look familiar to you - it was from the living room of my last house. Coffee table is a vintage travertine piece refinished professionally by the 365 Studio. Ceiling light is Herman Miller sourced from Gabriel Ross. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaiH4mChbdjRxE3a9YWQ3V-l0Y0NolOch3kcxxhLz0tDWv7OJ5wNb0wvS3GQWXtW17nGBlhYqOLwX4IXyuzA5BRg3oh-17Qzs417HkuEfo_DmtaJ32dUUHGmKnK-jhKnhlsFQeVj2xFlYD5fqz27zUiqANdBWYd6z_-6Xhx5SRb2zUOgYPZpPkOE-cQ4y/s3862/IMG_9777_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3862" data-original-width="2896" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaiH4mChbdjRxE3a9YWQ3V-l0Y0NolOch3kcxxhLz0tDWv7OJ5wNb0wvS3GQWXtW17nGBlhYqOLwX4IXyuzA5BRg3oh-17Qzs417HkuEfo_DmtaJ32dUUHGmKnK-jhKnhlsFQeVj2xFlYD5fqz27zUiqANdBWYd6z_-6Xhx5SRb2zUOgYPZpPkOE-cQ4y/w300-h400/IMG_9777_jpg.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Formal dining room - didn't think I was going to have one but decided to go through with it. This nearly 10-foot long solid wood dining table was from CB2 - it provides perfect table space for my family to play Legos together. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSB270_9HSRLOi3ImVNcklrpvT3eW5D3Dkd6iJrnIPAsxizAYmrglfv8oLs5IfZRub1kRDhOx8TCiUmNMfk9WFiQWTr-cQz8_y0MIU5dd0s0yFUCccKvjwE8U15i6xMyeSbeLg31Y1h7KJg5lx7P-Jer3V0JXnR3zrpEcMitj-gw5XWUjEphp8M9XiqAs/s3966/IMG_3761_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3966" data-original-width="2911" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSB270_9HSRLOi3ImVNcklrpvT3eW5D3Dkd6iJrnIPAsxizAYmrglfv8oLs5IfZRub1kRDhOx8TCiUmNMfk9WFiQWTr-cQz8_y0MIU5dd0s0yFUCccKvjwE8U15i6xMyeSbeLg31Y1h7KJg5lx7P-Jer3V0JXnR3zrpEcMitj-gw5XWUjEphp8M9XiqAs/w294-h400/IMG_3761_jpg.jpg" width="294" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My primary bedroom - you can see that I am keeping the furnishing to a minimum with only the functional pieces. Bed is from Rove Concepts Ophelia bed in King size. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfS4a-iCdYsECK_XOsae-ocet-snvQFCc82OHtpUw2ZzRfnUExU3qW2W6br6iwnQPhsMYOAUlosmNN64m4admLcqS1rHWIHFL4e6TSgP3lLkBvSxDRm3JQ2VCvcvKx2PnoX3q05_6pE0VM7eeQZcoj2U_fwsndsKSGnPIOGuhHbNR7RpsUV-6cdlqgBPyl/s3958/IMG_8188_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3958" data-original-width="2925" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfS4a-iCdYsECK_XOsae-ocet-snvQFCc82OHtpUw2ZzRfnUExU3qW2W6br6iwnQPhsMYOAUlosmNN64m4admLcqS1rHWIHFL4e6TSgP3lLkBvSxDRm3JQ2VCvcvKx2PnoX3q05_6pE0VM7eeQZcoj2U_fwsndsKSGnPIOGuhHbNR7RpsUV-6cdlqgBPyl/w295-h400/IMG_8188_jpg.jpg" width="295" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My favourite mirror of all times - the Pond mirror from Ferm Living. Console table is an old piece from CB2. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqe-Y3tY9zvPI5P0pf9HkL9_sKMJhIe2stXSOil7CZtQhx_gXu-Q_2vx7AnUzfs4iyut2kKv3GGEVfIcUGxT2w_NC6L2r7bpRyZP5Yfjj-DNB6bgCjAoB1gFESnUjnr1ZUsF4cpnWnORpNdobV5xvywsR3J0qRI0CXz_IudoSHjLgI1q2TaquwrZ5MOQlF/s3992/IMG_8430_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3992" data-original-width="2994" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqe-Y3tY9zvPI5P0pf9HkL9_sKMJhIe2stXSOil7CZtQhx_gXu-Q_2vx7AnUzfs4iyut2kKv3GGEVfIcUGxT2w_NC6L2r7bpRyZP5Yfjj-DNB6bgCjAoB1gFESnUjnr1ZUsF4cpnWnORpNdobV5xvywsR3J0qRI0CXz_IudoSHjLgI1q2TaquwrZ5MOQlF/w300-h400/IMG_8430_jpg.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Colin King for Audo Copenhagen Interconnect Candleholder. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUPd3hIfBWCfs8VwnvP4Rk7wSXrTwi9KXnlZJjlkY1qo7arnwhy8Z8o71O8n-x9OkH_oTNqlGI4JSu3RCDKBFjTC0JSjNCjeYuNgp4tUT44qbq7RXjKBF8cN7WNLhVa-oLUwwhn-3JPHAqmJiVlDbBRTxoE2GY9yaMWMn35bjqpB7HTMlPP4e2YEq_Hxh/s4000/IMG_9906_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2808" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUPd3hIfBWCfs8VwnvP4Rk7wSXrTwi9KXnlZJjlkY1qo7arnwhy8Z8o71O8n-x9OkH_oTNqlGI4JSu3RCDKBFjTC0JSjNCjeYuNgp4tUT44qbq7RXjKBF8cN7WNLhVa-oLUwwhn-3JPHAqmJiVlDbBRTxoE2GY9yaMWMn35bjqpB7HTMlPP4e2YEq_Hxh/w281-h400/IMG_9906_jpg.jpg" width="281" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Foyer featuring CB2 Bali pendant large size, Colin King for Audo Copenhagen Stance vases, CB2 mantel mirror and Article Lenia sideboard in white oak. </span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will try to link everything next time I am back here. Feel free to drop by my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amdolcevita/">Instagram</a> page and ask all your questions there. </span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">See you around friends! </span><br /><br /><br /></div>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-17117955419771743662022-07-26T22:27:00.005-04:002022-07-26T22:27:52.093-04:00Pros And Cons of Managing Your Own Home Remodeling or Renovations<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant; font-size: x-small;"> ~~ This is a featured post.~~</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; tab-stops: 279.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">The </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.retaildive.com/news/the-rise-of-the-home-improvement-sector-and-where-it-could-go-next/600714/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">home DIY sector</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"> has simply exploded in popularity and as more people
have more time at home or the remote and hybrid way of working takes hold, it
has become incredibly common for professionals to be renovating and change
their homes. It is an accepted means of adding value to your home and
increasing your equity, as well as the norm before selling and, strangely
enough, immediately after the new buyer has moved in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; tab-stops: 279.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Many homeowners simply go out and hire an expert who
projects, manages, and presents them with a finished product. Then there are
those who make use of the widespread availability of information guides to do
this kind of work themselves. Here are the pros and cons of such DIY
renovations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; tab-stops: 279.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1J9QLujn_85aX1qUaUYCsgd67lojQVWeSc3fGRlSxLJvLcz1keRlAWP48T0dUITt42E9gcIHaVpNoW7mDUcPjRl8s5sv-YsEKRV5pftexQn7Ti61xQ1ilyKhKHxGVe2vTdFf6bu-xSkv2I-dDNubtZlgqO3172dwFkGvaxrNEj24xU_mJDxL9w9uYw/s3907/IMG_7708_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3907" data-original-width="2930" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1J9QLujn_85aX1qUaUYCsgd67lojQVWeSc3fGRlSxLJvLcz1keRlAWP48T0dUITt42E9gcIHaVpNoW7mDUcPjRl8s5sv-YsEKRV5pftexQn7Ti61xQ1ilyKhKHxGVe2vTdFf6bu-xSkv2I-dDNubtZlgqO3172dwFkGvaxrNEj24xU_mJDxL9w9uYw/w300-h400/IMG_7708_jpg.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><h2 style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant; font-size: small;">Pros<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h3 style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant; font-size: small;">More control over the process<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; tab-stops: 279.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">You are in charge when you do your own renovations,
and if, for example, you </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.trianglehousehunter.com/selling/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">want to sell your house in Raleigh-Durham</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">, you won’t need to waste time finding the best
contractor. Your changes or renovations can be made to suit the market. Should
you do the work yourself, you are able to control the creativity and give the
space your personal stamp of character.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant; font-size: small;">Cost savings<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; tab-stops: 279.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">You will definitely save on labor if you do most of it
yourself. Simple things like preparing walls for painting and all of the
non-skilled work should be done by you. It’s a great way to save money but also
begin to learn and </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/home-improvement-projects-to-tackle-in-2020/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">develop your DIY skills</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<h2 style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant; font-size: small;">Cons<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<h3 style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant; font-size: small;">You could end up with a mess<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; tab-stops: 306.35pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Not all the How To videos that you find online are
genuine, and many that may be quite difficult to follow. It’s a huge risk to attempt
any large-scale changes such as floors, utilities, or waterproofing on your own
without professional on-site advice and supervision. One of the biggest ironies
of the DIY boom is that not only may some do their own work, but there is also an
ongoing increase of homeowners needing to hire professionals to take care of
unplanned, unfinished, and unsafe home additions and changes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant; font-size: small;">Constraints of time<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; tab-stops: 306.35pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">A major downside of attempting to do your own
renovation is that you are likely to have other responsibilities, and unless
you take time off work and these responsibilities, you will be unable to dedicate
the required time to get it done timeously. Your time is money, and as such,
you will have to weigh up who is best placed to do the work as soon as you have
the quotations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; tab-stops: 279.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Whether you are renovating or reworking your house to
sell it or simply making some changes to make it more livable, the idea is to
add value and increase the benefits that you or whoever lives on the property
is able to enjoy. The final decision as to whether you do the house renovations
on your own is essentially going to come down to exactly what it is that you intend
to do. If there is anything whatsoever about the changes that are structural or
require measurements, rethink your plan and perhaps even find a professional to
help.</span></span></p><p></p>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-67028728920410198952022-07-04T16:52:00.005-04:002022-07-04T16:52:48.659-04:00How to Make Your House Remodel Go Smoother<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-family: Assistant;">***This is a featured post***</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">House remodels are truly a chaotic time for you and your family; some rooms might be off-limits, and you might be wondering if you are doing the right thing. You might also need to work on dates around other people’s schedules, which is annoying if you constantly stop-starting. So, you should be finding ways to help the whole process go a lot more smoothly for you and everyone involved. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQfYuvOECzqiKaWT7SWnMm03b_IDKbL9gukxm1g8q4ZyqjTuPJzRTpOCUmSkjD2-3GPIdd2J_X5Mv81n8IZ3SRBYFIf6MT58U4ho4LeWIPl1zp6-usrx_eL0wGc3QlKcE9ve3HCoe_7Sm-_MJEC6x7nltL5X3z_1pbrqWqCwcyc_NVcuHZcCYIjwU0w/s1244/IMG_4854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1244" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQfYuvOECzqiKaWT7SWnMm03b_IDKbL9gukxm1g8q4ZyqjTuPJzRTpOCUmSkjD2-3GPIdd2J_X5Mv81n8IZ3SRBYFIf6MT58U4ho4LeWIPl1zp6-usrx_eL0wGc3QlKcE9ve3HCoe_7Sm-_MJEC6x7nltL5X3z_1pbrqWqCwcyc_NVcuHZcCYIjwU0w/w400-h301/IMG_4854.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-family: Assistant;">#1 Moving Your Things</b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">This can be one of the bigger stresses of renovating your house. You might have nowhere to put the piles and piles of stuff you have accumulated over the years, or even the means to get it off-site safely. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">You might find that it is beneficial to look for man + van services in your area. You might find that a <a href="https://www.shiply.com/man-with-a-van/">man with a van</a> service is great for moving little pieces backwards and forwards securely, so none of your stuff gets broken and you don't have to borrow your friend's trailer or your mom’s bigger car. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">You might find that this sort of thing takes a lot of stress away from your general day-to-day, especially if you are in a position where you are waiting for weeks to be able to get your next load of materials or your friend who is supposed to be helping with the heavy lifting keeps on canceling last minute. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>#2 The Order of the Renovation</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">The order in which you renovate your property is very important to how your renovation goes and how much money you are spending overall. Here is a list of the order you should renovate in:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.advantagecontracting.com/uncategorized/kitchen-bathrooms-living-rooms-room-remodel-first/">Upstairs bathrooms</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Downstairs bathrooms </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The kitchen</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Living areas </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">This is simply due to the positioning of pipes. You don't want to spend a lot on your living room only to have to tear up the ceiling above it because you have a bathroom directly above with a leak. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>#3 Getting the Right Materials</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">This is an important part of making sure that your renovation goes smoothly. Using the right <a href="https://www.build-review.com/importance-of-using-high-quality-materials-when-renovating-your-home/#:~:text=Quality%20Materials%20Are%20More%20Durable,falling%20apart%20or%20becoming%20damaged.">high-quality materials</a> for the job means that you are working with the best that is available, and consequently that the result will not only be high quality but also long-lasting. This is desirable as you want it to be a long time before you go through all this disruption again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>#4 Investing in Professional Help</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">You are going to need professional help for some things, such as the plumbing, <a href="https://homogenisation.org/benefits-of-hiring-professional-electricians/">the electronics</a>, and maybe some other installations that you know you wouldn’t be able to do on your own. You should make sure that these things are done by a professional to lower the risk of a hazard such as a fire, leak, or getting shocks from your efforts with the electrics. This is also important when you come to sell the property, as you can hand over the right certification to show it has all been done correctly and safely, as well as to a high standard. </span></p>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-60620477938818995002021-04-02T19:40:00.002-04:002021-04-02T19:40:56.985-04:00Hilltop House Construction Progress April 2021<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We purchased our hilltop wooded lot over a year ago and the project was delayed so much that we didn't think it was ever going to happen for us. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We drove by the lot during our weekly errands in early March and still, nothing. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcrz8lSRMAKB1NG7s9iMpHpWYl7jaWwFxivA7MwmEgx-n0ieFRraYjGHZpZGy0GeGmRGe6qwviSzyksKPoiZFPe6Eo0r48PhQuu8-Z5qDsJZN84mDLVxhvUE0xMsBMT4-V6LlM78iZ-7u/s4032/Facetune_06-03-2021-15-17-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcrz8lSRMAKB1NG7s9iMpHpWYl7jaWwFxivA7MwmEgx-n0ieFRraYjGHZpZGy0GeGmRGe6qwviSzyksKPoiZFPe6Eo0r48PhQuu8-Z5qDsJZN84mDLVxhvUE0xMsBMT4-V6LlM78iZ-7u/w400-h300/Facetune_06-03-2021-15-17-34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">On March 20, 2021, out of curiosity we again drove by the lot. To our great surprise, it looked like something was happening! We had ourselves a pit!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmW2zYxz9uRXUm5hJBpVqdd88Efa-psOAikinMofZ6UFRs9sKLQtA1gnBV4di4XiU1aKOgkkEDCTtzkyS-kle8PYrhIgF_lnNCFwaQetJM7EryhcwMz4iwGt42wJEzjHnnYQth8DenjnY/s1117/D00C9F79-D1E1-4C46-9DF6-9D14B4C98D84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmW2zYxz9uRXUm5hJBpVqdd88Efa-psOAikinMofZ6UFRs9sKLQtA1gnBV4di4XiU1aKOgkkEDCTtzkyS-kle8PYrhIgF_lnNCFwaQetJM7EryhcwMz4iwGt42wJEzjHnnYQth8DenjnY/w298-h400/D00C9F79-D1E1-4C46-9DF6-9D14B4C98D84.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiQoN5nNw0Is8JUjU2zsmn15DV6RJuMHQ2QYF3qq0r_rNTza1P3Y2NerAnu6JZoysl8zYR7wHXlnLcPbiAa2C2RsXDCvc6BjrBaE7bFnrp-30iNrHc4Sz0nwy6VOi11LhVja-LgOIO49n/s828/6F21E6E2-08FC-4336-81E0-76448B3200EE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="828" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiQoN5nNw0Is8JUjU2zsmn15DV6RJuMHQ2QYF3qq0r_rNTza1P3Y2NerAnu6JZoysl8zYR7wHXlnLcPbiAa2C2RsXDCvc6BjrBaE7bFnrp-30iNrHc4Sz0nwy6VOi11LhVja-LgOIO49n/w400-h300/6F21E6E2-08FC-4336-81E0-76448B3200EE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Five days later on March 25, the foundation was laid. The builder surely didn't waste anytime after they secured the building permit for us. Picture below, this is the side that's going to support our garage. We love that our basement will have high ceiling (9.5 - 10 feet) just like the floors above (ground and second floors 10 feet, third floor 9 feet). </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2bdnE3hIOZYbxXnCeqtmh-q__y3pozTxTagy2uUirezFcySnUbEIUuHbdheuaglRotNiIYnxBNHIjX40hVFg2mJi4_4fVZfRS6bMmo31iQg72LABAMxg5ELcE74O7N4ImwOtJB2rmvvN/s3950/IMG_5190.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2962" data-original-width="3950" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2bdnE3hIOZYbxXnCeqtmh-q__y3pozTxTagy2uUirezFcySnUbEIUuHbdheuaglRotNiIYnxBNHIjX40hVFg2mJi4_4fVZfRS6bMmo31iQg72LABAMxg5ELcE74O7N4ImwOtJB2rmvvN/w400-h300/IMG_5190.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is from the other side where we will have a bay window above. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8s1ngHKRSDBsHJRIeiZjV4PRtGrp5zBZwDnmSkgIdiI6T3bjw5KfUoxxVF6f6fBlRcojXOj4gRZsp6q2WxL4YeMByFlO60jnfuWbhkgNBsevOWQzrVjEB7k5vFzU2535iM3xlE9pGuXr/s3864/IMG_5180.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2814" data-original-width="3864" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8s1ngHKRSDBsHJRIeiZjV4PRtGrp5zBZwDnmSkgIdiI6T3bjw5KfUoxxVF6f6fBlRcojXOj4gRZsp6q2WxL4YeMByFlO60jnfuWbhkgNBsevOWQzrVjEB7k5vFzU2535iM3xlE9pGuXr/w400-h291/IMG_5180.HEIC" width="400" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Looks like we will have a few steps leading up to our front portico, according to our grading. I am guessing at least 6 steps based on the slope. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAtOHhp499TfifaBHvkLp6pRvsgxE1UcES-Rs8aQ9NE7U8gf1CFT12VZhZlJUkwGPS1lcuayqfBFUFVy7EN0EDWtsI_CJA0WSnr9HhIwKKdtcolsZ0pyTO5s1cu2W4-AHEQiJGrTScDGT/s4032/IMG_5188.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAtOHhp499TfifaBHvkLp6pRvsgxE1UcES-Rs8aQ9NE7U8gf1CFT12VZhZlJUkwGPS1lcuayqfBFUFVy7EN0EDWtsI_CJA0WSnr9HhIwKKdtcolsZ0pyTO5s1cu2W4-AHEQiJGrTScDGT/w300-h400/IMG_5188.HEIC" width="300" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsJ9FFlaQoDAi3UdGYoxvidngIo_QbSQ2qXYAtbsoB9TkpLcMEYnIQvUY20h8uQHvgP3Z2OF3wCJYwR6btnxDfT1HRbnrhnX7Aq8FJpXSaOgwK5y5Da11xp8_RjugWkNsSapDPoPflSDa/s3902/IMG_5196.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2926" data-original-width="3902" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsJ9FFlaQoDAi3UdGYoxvidngIo_QbSQ2qXYAtbsoB9TkpLcMEYnIQvUY20h8uQHvgP3Z2OF3wCJYwR6btnxDfT1HRbnrhnX7Aq8FJpXSaOgwK5y5Da11xp8_RjugWkNsSapDPoPflSDa/w400-h300/IMG_5196.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">April 2, 2021: foundation is still curing. Waterproofing membrane was installed. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8s12pfMIfIhf4xw2TvcUA2oLMpTn8Eg0VANS5RdCkkXYxPT4lX0dh8pJY0pY3gXQ986lFnGHQjBJJUyVJqeyEmCF36uGkUAvyXBLgK2QUVI3EVkhxa8BysTGYPoy58LgtjO39R8EEBoy3/s3615/IMG_5353_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2041" data-original-width="3615" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8s12pfMIfIhf4xw2TvcUA2oLMpTn8Eg0VANS5RdCkkXYxPT4lX0dh8pJY0pY3gXQ986lFnGHQjBJJUyVJqeyEmCF36uGkUAvyXBLgK2QUVI3EVkhxa8BysTGYPoy58LgtjO39R8EEBoy3/w400-h226/IMG_5353_jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCinxjhXMo2qcQyLQaoNTL5CTl22yuKCXPM2DOw4KMF5XtD5H6W6HQFucIJt5ZKtA-9BMsn6JXr-2vO3RRZVPkSfEl2m3l-nPcIpPK_oADuwJGpIfNJO1k4NvIUgH1htTCbLC6w4MOhhaG/s3905/IMG_5340_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2203" data-original-width="3905" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCinxjhXMo2qcQyLQaoNTL5CTl22yuKCXPM2DOw4KMF5XtD5H6W6HQFucIJt5ZKtA-9BMsn6JXr-2vO3RRZVPkSfEl2m3l-nPcIpPK_oADuwJGpIfNJO1k4NvIUgH1htTCbLC6w4MOhhaG/w400-h226/IMG_5340_jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCPGNDIm6hlol-3DeEvhkV6UNaU9k2z245Og_1YRdD8CXlRMEryXlf1Aypd4PIj70V80aE0yYp_Oxeqri4wDI5DWHboXc_GOTFN8hsSB1262DXMF8zbjuRwRSr2L8Qvw1cgaLFOSbIouI/s3447/IMG_5339_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2493" data-original-width="3447" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCPGNDIm6hlol-3DeEvhkV6UNaU9k2z245Og_1YRdD8CXlRMEryXlf1Aypd4PIj70V80aE0yYp_Oxeqri4wDI5DWHboXc_GOTFN8hsSB1262DXMF8zbjuRwRSr2L8Qvw1cgaLFOSbIouI/w400-h289/IMG_5339_jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWuaishPU2D_Do1bAgvmsWMtTd911oUnV4Y6AeBC3DwrO9RH39tEbSXWOSDiW7S63BNbeQAfnjn4xfUsgojcL0JPTNpYpiMsiiS2ijmgyYpXpkIBQMmPYamRmZqbhFDLvluNYuvZBwv2W/s300/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="300" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWuaishPU2D_Do1bAgvmsWMtTd911oUnV4Y6AeBC3DwrO9RH39tEbSXWOSDiW7S63BNbeQAfnjn4xfUsgojcL0JPTNpYpiMsiiS2ijmgyYpXpkIBQMmPYamRmZqbhFDLvluNYuvZBwv2W/w200-h57/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-33561888587099796742021-03-10T11:13:00.007-05:002021-03-12T12:38:57.445-05:005 Ways to Boost the Value of Your Home<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-family: helvetica;">~ This is a featured post. ~</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you are
considering selling your home, you will want to increase its value to its
fullest potential. There are many different ways of doing this, from larger
projects to smaller changes. Here are just five ways that you can help to boost
the value of your home.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eq5oxgAfL_y1yG60FymbCGaEL7c93PtyvP9QPfl88CifRyxdLmRpGPdLUdtKCaItXQeIfyfR0w0zjSrVXLyisJ98hmdesmVbT0J-tV1B-X_MsSUIh4FxS3fh1rj66yJ4Gr2_NY8cD984/s3456/AM+Dolce+Vita+Living+Room+Giant+Fiddle+Leaf+Fig+Tree+Feb+2021-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eq5oxgAfL_y1yG60FymbCGaEL7c93PtyvP9QPfl88CifRyxdLmRpGPdLUdtKCaItXQeIfyfR0w0zjSrVXLyisJ98hmdesmVbT0J-tV1B-X_MsSUIh4FxS3fh1rj66yJ4Gr2_NY8cD984/w400-h266/AM+Dolce+Vita+Living+Room+Giant+Fiddle+Leaf+Fig+Tree+Feb+2021-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><b style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><b style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"> 1. Repairs</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;"> If your home has
suffered any damage, for example, from mold or water, it is essential that you
get it properly repaired. Your home should be safe, hospitable, and high
quality, and a </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://www.deepwaterco.com/dallas-fort-worth/"><span lang="EN-US">damage repair service</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -18pt;"> can help you achieve this. Getting any damage
properly repaired can also help reduce the risk of further damage and problems
for yourself or future owners.</span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">2. Curb Appeal<br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">This is how your
home looks from the outside. The exterior is often the first thing that people
see of your home, so it is vital not to neglect this. First impressions are
important! There are plenty of things you can do to improve your home’s </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/ways-to-add-curb-appeal/"><span lang="EN-US">curb appeal</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US">, such as making sure your front yard or porch
is neat and tidy, adding plants and flowers, creating appropriate storage for
waste and trash, and even just giving your front door a fresh coat of paint.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">3. Redecorate<br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">You may be so used
to your home that you don’t notice dirty or damaged areas like walls or
flooring. However, a potential buyer is more likely to recognize these things.
Redecorating can help to improve the value of your home. Cleaning your floors
and walls, revarnishing, painting, or rearranging furniture can help to make
your home cleaner and more refreshed. There is a reason many people choose to
paint their walls white when they are selling. The lighter colors can make
rooms seem larger and airier.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">4. Tidy Up Your Yard<br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">If you have a
backyard, make the most of it! Spending some time outside gardening and
sprucing up your yard can make a huge difference. Do you need to replace or
repaint your fence? Could your yard benefit from a water feature such as a pond
or fountain? These small changes can help to increase your home’s value. You
don’t have to be an expert in the garden either; just tidying up and making
sure it looks neat can really help. If you have pets, make sure to clean up
after them.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">5. Go Green<br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blueandgreentomorrow.com/features/10-ways-make-home-eco-friendly/"><span lang="EN-US">Making your home as green and eco-friendly as
possible</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"> is a big attraction for potential buyers. There are plenty of different
ways you can do this. Installing double glazed windows helps keep heat in,
reducing your energy bills and impact on the planet. Solar panels and other
forms of renewable energy may also help to make your home more desirable.
Making your home more energy efficient is a brilliant way to increase its value
while reducing its impact on the environment. Energy efficiency can be very
important criteria for some buyers, so it is worth looking into your options
and ways to achieve this.</span></span></div>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-6197320413183028742021-03-10T09:20:00.001-05:002021-03-10T09:20:32.652-05:00Creating a Beautiful Eco-friendly Garden This Summer<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">~ This is a featured post.~</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB">As the days grow longer and warmer, leaving
the chill of winter behind, looking forward to spending more time outdoors in
the sunshine is something many look forward to. Early spring is a good time to
start preparing your garden for the better weather, and there's always plenty
to do. From clearing out debris from your flower beds, tackling the weeds, and
repainting fences, the list of garden chores can stretch on forever. Perhaps
this year, you want to try something different, particularly if life in lockdown
has made you want to alter your domestic surroundings to make them feel brand
new. If you are planning on a garden transformation this year, here are some
tips on how you can not only make it beautiful but eco-friendly, too!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVtk4VB8fwJbQ8zuTH20W5ojpIOYKo3L7IEDRHnKKtvkc7VnV764nbAoa-iZ0gpjgss7FcMm_dAP753YVAb2mqYCQCS3p3Q2mNbQeQ4IwihbrHRr0kjqVM0-4q06jkTimVO-Xocn6nO4M/s2800/AM+Dolce+Vita+Backyard+July+2019-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1813" data-original-width="2800" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVtk4VB8fwJbQ8zuTH20W5ojpIOYKo3L7IEDRHnKKtvkc7VnV764nbAoa-iZ0gpjgss7FcMm_dAP753YVAb2mqYCQCS3p3Q2mNbQeQ4IwihbrHRr0kjqVM0-4q06jkTimVO-Xocn6nO4M/w400-h259/AM+Dolce+Vita+Backyard+July+2019-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /> </span><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Wildlife Garden</b><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB">If you want to help the <a href="https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/garden/designs/a24852267/wildlife-garden-design/">eco-system
in your garden</a>, planting wildflowers and allowing your garden to thrive
naturally is a great way to do this. While you will still need to do the
occasional cull, leaving things untouched lets nature takes its course and can
provide a safe environment for insects, birds, and other animals to thrive. For
those who prefer more manicured looks, you could always dedicate a portion of
your garden to this rather than the whole thing.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /> </span><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Allotments</b><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB">During the various lockdowns across the
globe in the last 12 months, many people decided to try growing fruits,
vegetables, and herbs in their gardens. This is a great way to move towards a
self-sufficient lifestyle, and you won't get produce as fresh as when you've
picked it from your allotment. It will take some dedication to care for your
vegetables, but this shouldn't be a problem if you're a keen gardener. It's
even better if you love to cook and want to wow family and friends with a
delicious meal made from ingredients from your kitchen garden!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Fencing and Other Structures</b><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB">Another way to make your garden
eco-friendlier is by carefully considering the materials you're using for your
fences and other structures like greenhouses or summerhouses. Choose a supplier
that can provide green materials to use for your projects and materials that
will be durable in all sorts of weather. You can find out more about these
types of fencing <a href="https://www.ecompositeproducts.co.uk/">here</a>.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Try to Reduce the Use of Chemicals</b><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB">Weed killers and pesticides can be useful
for gardeners trying to preserve their plants, but these chemicals can harm the
overall eco-system in your garden. Where possible, try to use natural methods
rather than chemical options to reduce damaging other plants and lifeforms in
your garden. Things like using water to spray off greenflies, copper slug
rings, and even <a href="https://www.thompson-morgan.com/companion-planting-guide">planting
certain things together</a> to reduce chances of disease and pests are all
things you ought to try first.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB">You can enjoy any style of garden and still
make it eco-friendly with these suggestions. It's the perfect way for you to
enjoy your outdoor space and have peace of mind that you are doing your bit for
the environment.</span></span></div>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-34108672770413002802021-02-25T09:36:00.003-05:002021-02-25T09:36:47.207-05:00Top Three Tips for Renovating Your Home<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> ~ This is a featured post.~</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">Does your home’s decor look drab and
outdated? Has its curb appeal lost its appeal? Do you experience ‘house envy’ every
time you step foot in other properties? If your answer to all three of those
questions was an unequivocal <i>Yes!</i>, then it sounds like your humble abode
is in desperate need of a facelift!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8xQXHXfLBtEW2JEUB0tUq5sD97dLl34RbjbOspC0DTMAwQJNRiQGOcMBUnBfbfEkKHczCjYklBS10F7xndEalgheOMpRz4dCogChGf00OeLZD-1uOvUFKEBJlmuA5A-uefUoJJa0sKGe/s3256/Crate+and+Barrel+Flores+Floor+Lamp+with+Fluted+Shade+Paavo+Tynell+Feb+2021-4_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3256" data-original-width="2255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8xQXHXfLBtEW2JEUB0tUq5sD97dLl34RbjbOspC0DTMAwQJNRiQGOcMBUnBfbfEkKHczCjYklBS10F7xndEalgheOMpRz4dCogChGf00OeLZD-1uOvUFKEBJlmuA5A-uefUoJJa0sKGe/w278-h400/Crate+and+Barrel+Flores+Floor+Lamp+with+Fluted+Shade+Paavo+Tynell+Feb+2021-4_Original.JPG" width="278" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you want your home renovation
venture to go off without a hitch, be sure to heed the three top tips listed
below:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">Take your time with the renovation<br /></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: helvetica;">When you decide to spruce up your
home, it’s imperative that take a careful, patient, and tactful approach to
your renovation process. One wrong move in this instance could end up having an
adverse effect on the aesthetic appeal of your property for years to come,
which is why you must </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://tinybuddha.com/blog/slow-way-go-6-reasons-take-time/"><span class="Hyperlink0">take your time</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: helvetica;">
with this venture.<br /></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br /></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="None"><b><span lang="EN-US">Make
use of temporary mobile self-storage<br /></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">You’ll never truly have the capacity
to renovate your home if it remains full to brim with all of your worldly
belongings, simply because you won’t have the space that you require to unleash
your full interior inspiration.<br /> </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br /></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">Don’t worry; you don’t necessarily
have to start chucking out all of your precious items in order to make this
space. There is a straightforward solution to this situation, that being for
you to invest in a temporary mobile self-storage unit. This will entail you hiring
a secure storage container, filling it with all of your belongings, and
unpacking it again when you’re ready to add the finishing touches to your new
home design.<br /></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br /></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">If you want to ensure the safety of
your items when you take this storage route, be sure to get in touch with a
professional mobile storage company such as MI-BOX. This dedicated team of
residential moving experts operate a no-tilt lifting system, which means that
they will have the capacity to optimize your belongings' safety during the storage
process. For more information about the quality level of service that they
provide, be sure to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.miboxwest.com/"><span class="Hyperlink0">visit MIBOXwest.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US">.<br /></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br /></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="None"><b><span lang="EN-US">Avoid
common renovation mistakes<br /></span></b></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br /></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">There are a whole host of common home
renovation mistakes that must avoid making. Here are three blunders that you
should attempt to steer clear of at all costs:<br /></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br /></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="None"><b><span lang="EN-US">1. Underestimating the cost of the
venture</span></b></span><span lang="EN-US"> — full-scale home renovations aren’t
cheap, which is why you must get to grips with the financial obligations of
this venture before you dive headfirst into it<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="None"><b><span lang="EN-US">2. Expecting everything to go
according to plan</span></b></span><span lang="EN-US"> — make no mistake about it, you will
be sure to encounter a whole host of unforeseen hurdles and </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.guidedmind.com/blog/5-powerful-tips-to-overcome-any-challenge"><span class="Hyperlink0">challenges</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US">
during your renovation process<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="None"><b><span lang="EN-US">3. Not hiring a professional designer</span></b></span><span lang="EN-US">
— if you want to bring your new home design to life stylishly and succinctly,
you need to align yourself with a professional decor designer right from the
off<br /></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br /></span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Do you want to take your home’s design
to the next level? If so, be sure to put the guidance and advice laid out above
into practice.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span><p></p>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-91461980371143937722021-02-19T09:22:00.000-05:002021-02-19T09:22:00.107-05:00Three Quick Tricks That Make A Real Difference To Your Home Style<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;">~ This is a featured post.~</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you can say
one thing about the last 12 months, it’s that we’ve had a lot more time to
appreciate our homes. But, with more time than usual staring at the same four
walls, the desire to make a few quick-fire changes is bound to be very strong.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span lang="EN-GB">If the spark of
inspiration is still eluding you, here are a few easy ways to make your home
look different without too much effort, too much expense, or without making too
much of a mess.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBVEoIQ-zLqg0Wzu8qk0Wjsj__ELdlFnMtzp_e0fPeY8sxt30qxUFGGLxCALndp_I76cULRQxHLB2A2uZBAYZ0AfyPVeO3ZBKalLEqah8LlAyT-stiQIbC5uEh2CciDkUM7FgIqeVYz29/s3208/Minted+Jennifer+Daily+History+Repeats+Art+Print+Brian+Gluckstein+the+Art+of+Home+Book+Jan+2019-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3208" data-original-width="2257" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBVEoIQ-zLqg0Wzu8qk0Wjsj__ELdlFnMtzp_e0fPeY8sxt30qxUFGGLxCALndp_I76cULRQxHLB2A2uZBAYZ0AfyPVeO3ZBKalLEqah8LlAyT-stiQIbC5uEh2CciDkUM7FgIqeVYz29/w281-h400/Minted+Jennifer+Daily+History+Repeats+Art+Print+Brian+Gluckstein+the+Art+of+Home+Book+Jan+2019-8.JPG" width="281" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>#1 Give your walls a new look</b><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB">Decorating can
be very messy and inconvenient. There’s furniture to move, and a very good
chance paint is going to end up getting splashed on the couch or your favorite
rug. Not only that, cleanup can take ages, and washing the brushes and paint
rollers out are one fo the many </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.dial1plumbing.com/duncanville/">things that can make the kitchen sink clogged</a></span><span lang="EN-GB">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><span lang="EN-GB">Also, if you are
a renter, your landlord isn’t going to take too kindly to you repainting your
rooms without their permission. There are other alternatives like wall art (bought
cheaply on internet auction sites or from thrift stores) which can change the
look of your walls and can be moved around again next time you want a change.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB">While you are
there, you could pick up some mirrors that will also transform your living
space and reflect light back into your rooms.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>#2 Colorful crockery</b><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">You might not
have the budget to redecorate your kitchen or be able to change too much if you
are a tenant, but what you can do is fill the space with colorful crockery. </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.freutcake.com/home-2/setting-a-mismatched-table/">Mismatched, bright pieces</a></span><span lang="EN-GB"> can give your meal preparation and
dining areas plenty of retro character, and if you source them from thrift
stores or end of lines sales online, you can achieve this look on a very small
budget.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><span lang="EN-GB">You could also
extend this to your plant pots which you can make colorful as well and extend
that bright kitchen vibe around the rest of the house.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>#3 Light it up</b><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">We all know how
different our rooms look in a different light. Another thrift store purchase
could be some lighter, brighter curtains which let more light in and make the
rest of the room seem brighter. If that’s not for you, spending every evening
by candlelight can give your living space a warmer, cozier, calmer, and more
romantic feel.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB">To add to the
overall </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.candlejunkies.com/using-aromatherapy-candles-for-stress-relief/">chilled-out feeling</a></span><span lang="EN-GB">, some of those candles could be scented
with fragrances that make the place seem fresher or create a mood for a time of
year, like spices, pumpkin, and nutmeg in the holiday season.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Conclusion</b><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">If you are on a
low budget, or if you are a tenant, then changing the look of your living space
can be hard. However, with a few left-field ideas and studious use of the internet
to spot bargains (and a few trips to the thrift store), that fresh look might
not be as out of reach as you might have thought.</span></span></div>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-55856746612253663622021-01-31T14:58:00.003-05:002021-01-31T14:58:29.945-05:00Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid Part II<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is the Kitchen edition, and I do have a lot to write about. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Picture below: kitchen inspiration I saved to my <a href="https://br.pinterest.com/amdolcevita/hilltop-house/">Pinterest</a> board again and again, the </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Orléans Townhouses designed by Merrylees Architecture. The alignment between the island and the range is similar to our Hilltop House kitchen layout. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieU2zhUdiKH7KTF20JlDJGyuSpTLrrE8KhTyl0X67zUp1dbQX22ATxVAjvvM00R-jU3AYynsT7vxAyPggUrh1swVrFRfd3-FqClhZTAjKDeu00g_lrtSBv9YbjDgt4jtnrzgvgLJi8mVsT/s2000/Orl%25C3%25A9ans+Townhouses+Merrylees+Architecture1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieU2zhUdiKH7KTF20JlDJGyuSpTLrrE8KhTyl0X67zUp1dbQX22ATxVAjvvM00R-jU3AYynsT7vxAyPggUrh1swVrFRfd3-FqClhZTAjKDeu00g_lrtSBv9YbjDgt4jtnrzgvgLJi8mVsT/w400-h300/Orl%25C3%25A9ans+Townhouses+Merrylees+Architecture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>1. If you are building it from ground up, hide all the wall outlets. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I don't know about you, but I really dislike how the kitchen wall outlets break up the backsplash. So for the Hilltop House, I will be moving all the wall outlets into the undercabinet valance. The picture below is an example of hiding the outlets in a power strip underneath the valance. Our builder has a different approach by building a "closed valance" for both the undercabinet lighting and outlets. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUvKgC-Q6GUBpi0Mu6EmqN6mKwziTrb2A9NFx4oNr_iX6AhgY-NAFUchGbd4iNDNvoKs1EoTUQhK8lyrWTctsyoRCIS4IFHltpXZHJ3ga-o3_2_29vBxckR5hOMjAOEhTn4JjbHl_mtEe/s1792/IMG_3617.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUvKgC-Q6GUBpi0Mu6EmqN6mKwziTrb2A9NFx4oNr_iX6AhgY-NAFUchGbd4iNDNvoKs1EoTUQhK8lyrWTctsyoRCIS4IFHltpXZHJ3ga-o3_2_29vBxckR5hOMjAOEhTn4JjbHl_mtEe/w185-h400/IMG_3617.PNG" width="185" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Either way, you will have more options when it comes to backsplash without the outlets in the way. Imagine how painful it would make you feel to cut out a perfect piece of marble for the outlets. You get the idea. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hiding this wall outlets this way also elevates the look of your kitchen: it's clean and minimalist, and well-thought-out. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>2. Kitchen flooring </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Stone or ceramic tiles are still the best and most resilient choice of kitchen flooring. Spill and leaking accidents happen so you don't want to be on the constant lookout for your hardwood flooring. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you really like the look of wood flooring or a continuous look of wood flooring from your living space into the kitchen, the good news is that these days there are unlimited options of ceramic, porcelain or vinyl tiles in various wood colours and textures you can choose from. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuL5JUU2l-ZxHGYx08LMs85KWqpp8c71kFr87tV3sM_z8aSfPFXprwWJGRuYIhUVjUiVDM0NmsITeBrFsrCLag1KL2TjNc07QEOlU_EaK1mD9s1qWVo6t8MNLiU2U1jjLR-TbEdARx1s62/s4032/IMG_0388.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuL5JUU2l-ZxHGYx08LMs85KWqpp8c71kFr87tV3sM_z8aSfPFXprwWJGRuYIhUVjUiVDM0NmsITeBrFsrCLag1KL2TjNc07QEOlU_EaK1mD9s1qWVo6t8MNLiU2U1jjLR-TbEdARx1s62/w300-h400/IMG_0388.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>No matter what you choose, just make sure you will love it for a long time because it'd be near impossible to change the kitchen flooring once you move in. We've been living in our current house for almost 12 years and to-date I still haven't worked up the courage to gut this kitchen. It's too disruptive to the daily routine. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>3. If you get to plan your kitchen cabinet layout, opt for straight lines and avoid building any corner cabinets</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Below is the sketch of our Hilltop House kitchen. As you could see, all straight lines and no corner cabinets! Not only are the corner cabinets so yesteryear, they are also not functional - who can say they've used their corner cabinets to their full potential? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOTjwZpnyHVhyUdWtBF0IAMd_Eam3O1wZuaCim92nvocS_R6SvKmQAwVIpga0NdpL6kGss5z5pVQY_-OyON3jFRSqhH9CC63zaGaDdgqbKOj78u5XHLeJ4HJ6IHb9TIjBMnVZ2adrRpKQ/s1733/Hillsview+Kitchen+Sketch+Mockup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1733" data-original-width="1335" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOTjwZpnyHVhyUdWtBF0IAMd_Eam3O1wZuaCim92nvocS_R6SvKmQAwVIpga0NdpL6kGss5z5pVQY_-OyON3jFRSqhH9CC63zaGaDdgqbKOj78u5XHLeJ4HJ6IHb9TIjBMnVZ2adrRpKQ/w309-h400/Hillsview+Kitchen+Sketch+Mockup.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Linear layout of a kitchen brings visual calm and balance. You can also divide them into multiple zones such as the separate Servery/Butler's Pantry and the Bar areas we have. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>4. Drawers over cabinets</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In the lower section of your kitchen, always choose drawers over cabinet doors to maximize the interior storage and for ease of organization. Visualize all the struggle you've had to pull a pan out of a stack in a cabinet, versus slide them out of their own slots like below. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d1/3d/15/d13d15156c3dc3bae450fcfa5e60d040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d1/3d/15/d13d15156c3dc3bae450fcfa5e60d040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pcdaAlpwc1iPufTSJkdQi9HLOoq4qNzcE3cwDMaShIbJc2rGQwUc2u5kC_-FZclt8grT5ygl328Vxu4FHlHnC57aNZVMiMwUKMkqH4rtz_K23REG1HDByFkDcFbha_tcOwCbibAUCKRt/s300/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="300" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pcdaAlpwc1iPufTSJkdQi9HLOoq4qNzcE3cwDMaShIbJc2rGQwUc2u5kC_-FZclt8grT5ygl328Vxu4FHlHnC57aNZVMiMwUKMkqH4rtz_K23REG1HDByFkDcFbha_tcOwCbibAUCKRt/w200-h57/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-3924867743332715392021-01-28T08:49:00.003-05:002021-01-28T08:49:51.521-05:003 Ways A Real Estate Agency Can Help Sell Your Home <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-family: helvetica;">~ This is a featured post. ~</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In a study run by a major real estate
agent, the prime time to put your home on the market is in between the 1st and
the 15th of May. Houses in this period, on average, sell for 0.7% more than average
prices and generally sell six days faster. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRnW4LJAim51Bk_-d3gb5FZumdixIaEpDVWdU3vrWYVAtypWMhVyUmyFC30FnU-GaPN20RG7yMdqnoCnNpUufiv18MaoL3gbFCtsFIbPlLBL3p5SgyU1L8YZahGtTpSyvrLSi8_mSFUkz/s3856/IMG_0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3856" data-original-width="2892" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRnW4LJAim51Bk_-d3gb5FZumdixIaEpDVWdU3vrWYVAtypWMhVyUmyFC30FnU-GaPN20RG7yMdqnoCnNpUufiv18MaoL3gbFCtsFIbPlLBL3p5SgyU1L8YZahGtTpSyvrLSi8_mSFUkz/w300-h400/IMG_0164.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">If you’re thinking of jumping on that, and
you live in, for example, Ontario, Canada - you might be wondering: ‘</span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><a href="https://www.jenjewell.ca/"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">how much is my home worth - Orange, Cal,
Shel</span></span></a></span></span><span lang="ZH-TW">?</span><span lang="EN-US">’ The best
way to answer that is to get the help of a real estate agency. They can help
with an awful lot of things when it comes to pricing and how your house should
look, as well as a non-biased opinion on how well your property will sell on
the market.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You need this kind of honesty when you’re
buying and selling your property, even if you think the house isn’t being sold
at its best price. You know and love the house dearly, so of course, you’d want
the very best for it. But a house's price can depend on many things, such as
how it's laid out and the certain season in which you’re putting it up for
sale.</span></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /> </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It’s things like this that realtors know,
and can help you get the best price for your property. </span></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;"><b>#1 Pricing</b><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">Another thing real estate agents do is </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><a href="https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/construction/square-footage-calculator.php"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">calculate your square footage</span></span></a></span></span><span lang="EN-US"> cost accurately. This is how much each square foot of your plot is
worth, and gives buyers an accurate idea of what they are getting for their
money. It’s an honest way of pricing your home and can make the price far more
credible to potential buyers.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /> <o:p></o:p></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;"><b>#2 Real estate
agents know the peak market times</b><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As was mentioned before, May is a great
time to put a house on the market. But they will also know the best selling
times for your local area, especially if you get the right realtor. One expert
observer said: “Selling in May can get you $60,000 more than if you were to
sell in January."</span></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This kind of experience and advice is
utterly invaluable. Working with a realtor helps you gain access to knowledge
about your general area and major selling points of homes, such as what is on trend,
as well as how to go about selling in the best way possible.</span></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;"><b>#3 They know the
best way to make your home presentable</b><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The main advice here is, keep your house
neutral and clean. You want a place that buyers can imagine themselves living
in, and not imagine you living in.</span></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">It might be an idea to hire a </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><a href="https://publicstoragecanada.com/"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">storage
facility</span></span></a></span></span><span lang="EN-US"> to put all
of your clutter in, as well as anything you don’t immediately need for your day
to day life.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /> <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN-US">The house isn’t going to be yours for much
longer, and the closer it’s transitioned into being someone else's, the faster
it’s probably going to sell.</span></span></div>
</div>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-56194138233007552462021-01-24T17:09:00.000-05:002021-01-24T17:09:50.615-05:00Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid Part I<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Not to start off the new year with a negative note talking about design mistakes, but as we are building yet another house, aka, our dream house, I felt the need to share and document them so history doesn't repeat itself at our Hilltop House. Also, I wouldn't necessarily call these "mistakes" because, did they and do they still look eye-pleasing? Yes. But were they practical or could they stand the test of time? Not really.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: left;">Looking back at the design choices I've made over the years, "redundant" and "trendy" are the two words often popped up. A question I often ask myself today when making design choices is, would I really enjoy it or do I simply like the idea of it? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: left;">Picture below: my home dining room after many iterations</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmk8ioiI-hcJn1k7EdaYFpTjEJJSDRz6F8tiG9ww70zy4qS5WIxPVa7nj4U_j0AaSrTWpo2brXIy5yERZViWZBLnpfh4xYO5szsmr8rH8ZSO8_QH2e9oi9OHhdPLvCp-HVlXj83aqhUCN/s3456/AM+Dolce+Vita+Dining+Room+Alanna+Cavanagh+Amphora+Print2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmk8ioiI-hcJn1k7EdaYFpTjEJJSDRz6F8tiG9ww70zy4qS5WIxPVa7nj4U_j0AaSrTWpo2brXIy5yERZViWZBLnpfh4xYO5szsmr8rH8ZSO8_QH2e9oi9OHhdPLvCp-HVlXj83aqhUCN/w400-h266/AM+Dolce+Vita+Dining+Room+Alanna+Cavanagh+Amphora+Print2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I will probably turn this into a series as ideas come to me over time. This post is the </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Part I: </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;">Bathroom Edition</span></b></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1. Choose larger shower tiles to minimize grout lines</b></div></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What didn't work for us: small tiles (worse yet mosaic) with too many grout lines, white or lighter-coloured grout. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Why: over time water sat in grout lines, mold grew and scum accumulated. It was a cleaning nightmare waiting to happen. </div></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What works: large tiles to minimize grout lines, darker grout to hide scum.</div></span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-rmt17X-pMnRDyA9Pv2oaSqW7zkBRnE7bVxvTzsVOXXd4Qxd1AjuZDMxk2X_0caM7uEkE_Gn71SirzrYXhaiTrsFYS_TqBvqXmMVmE2LCQxQqJDeEmA9u_ncuscNkL3mHsUD-TCC0EyQ/s3974/IMG_6164.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3974" data-original-width="2980" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-rmt17X-pMnRDyA9Pv2oaSqW7zkBRnE7bVxvTzsVOXXd4Qxd1AjuZDMxk2X_0caM7uEkE_Gn71SirzrYXhaiTrsFYS_TqBvqXmMVmE2LCQxQqJDeEmA9u_ncuscNkL3mHsUD-TCC0EyQ/w300-h400/IMG_6164.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: helvetica;">2. Single-handle sink faucet</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What didn't work: two-handle faucets. They look more luxurious but so much harder to keep clean. Cost of ownership is also higher because if one of the two mixing valves breaks, you will have to replace the entire faucet. We all know a two-handle set costs a lot more. </div></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What works: single-handle faucet. I like the minimalist and clean look of this Hansgrohe 32082001 single-hole faucet. Thankfully our Hilltop House builder also uses Hansgrohe as their plumbing standard. </div></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpavxQ0s92ao1C8HuzlEoXEeL752v6pZ-44OPUZsC4ssyEd6CtCynchaG3LTicJyvq4-sipaGS8I56PpivEQN5pxLnGzOxvXF_TcAqXaRxEiKaA3CazKR5rchvlxvZ5uBfa0rpEzOGlYZ/s3456/AM+Dolce+Vita+Master+Bathroom+April+2020-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpavxQ0s92ao1C8HuzlEoXEeL752v6pZ-44OPUZsC4ssyEd6CtCynchaG3LTicJyvq4-sipaGS8I56PpivEQN5pxLnGzOxvXF_TcAqXaRxEiKaA3CazKR5rchvlxvZ5uBfa0rpEzOGlYZ/w266-h400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Master+Bathroom+April+2020-5.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>3. A separate closet for the toilet</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What didn't work: when we renovated our master bathroom in the current house, we had every opportunity to carve out a corner as a toilet closet. I didn't know any better so instead, we left toilet where the builder built it which is right in the centre of our bathroom. It's so unsightly. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What works: if your floor plan would allow it and if you have the space, create a separate room/closet with a door for the toilet. Otherwise a half-wall frosted glass partition would work too. Trust me, your bathroom would look so much more well-thought-out. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Picture below: our Hilltop House master bathroom plan. Thankfully our builder already created a separate room for the toilet. The floor plan however is nowhere near perfect. For example, you will notice there's little to no wall space near the shower stall for us to install a wall towel warmer unit. We will also change that makeup table into a bank of drawers for more storage. And I still don't understand why we would need a double entrance doors into the ensuite. I would opt for a single door but a longer vanity in a heart beat. Given our vanity is already 12-foot long, I guess I will leave the double doors alone. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIW2n51xKKs0IT0C71DxqOtP8w0f0uGMy4CxTNv7RIx0_V8LenaygMFUZIc28RtVzsStN5bb3Tgi6VAULglzTpn1TTnV5kPlh5B9TAxZZD-3ymZL3E9Wt1w9UbmrlrX7K8s5Hi_ayogDo/s272/Hilltop+House+Master+Ensuite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIW2n51xKKs0IT0C71DxqOtP8w0f0uGMy4CxTNv7RIx0_V8LenaygMFUZIc28RtVzsStN5bb3Tgi6VAULglzTpn1TTnV5kPlh5B9TAxZZD-3ymZL3E9Wt1w9UbmrlrX7K8s5Hi_ayogDo/s16000/Hilltop+House+Master+Ensuite.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I will be back to write about other design mistakes to avoid. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86AGsC5Y9Qwn8wZ2YWGlc6mCF99bgXSiyUf-ciPPkXHJjYmNl0RbcPp_x8TCetxzsEOQ99le271kYGi0OekakA1w71d4c4qTyu8nVXkGEmrYE_tpxaMUqUU11eZsbR0L6PiIEFc3nP_uH/s300/Blog+Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="300" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86AGsC5Y9Qwn8wZ2YWGlc6mCF99bgXSiyUf-ciPPkXHJjYmNl0RbcPp_x8TCetxzsEOQ99le271kYGi0OekakA1w71d4c4qTyu8nVXkGEmrYE_tpxaMUqUU11eZsbR0L6PiIEFc3nP_uH/w200-h57/Blog+Signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-75156164035687831602020-11-13T12:06:00.003-05:002020-11-13T12:06:15.386-05:00How To Use Lighting To Complete A Room<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Assistant; font-size: x-small;">~ This is a featured post.~</span></p><p></p><p class="Body"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">It</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">s easy to underestimate the difference that great-quality lighting
makes to the ambience<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>until you see
less-than-effective lighting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Body"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Homeowners sometime make the mistake of rushing
into installing lighting that they liked the look of only to realize that they
should have put more thought<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into such
aspects as lighting layout and design.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Body"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">Lighting is not merely a superficial </span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>‘</span><span lang="EN-US">finishing
touch</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’ </span><span lang="EN-US">to a room as it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>plays a
fundamental role in the broader design scheme and the day-to-day experience of
using the space. Here are a few key steps to take to ensure you use lighting to
complete your own home</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">s rooms nicely.</span></span></p><p class="Body"><b><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">1-Devise a plan for your home</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">s
lighting</span></span></b></p>
<p class="Body"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">If you</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">re beginning with a bare room that does not yet have any lighting in
place, it</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">s especially important to come up with a plan. This way, you
hopefully won</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">t make directionless and ill-advised choices that will be costly and
inconvenient to correct. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOe8XgMLKhUuWtCIuGJhccRONQFuNFDV1NnRjOUH48_KxTltT9i1fMXPRHJgxb1QmTxPK8SpSfcbja5Q139vezqwP5Dii0MEbB3hN97BVI7FxjoelnYtK7_aFliy14eBQeHurLU3firWJ/s1200/branch+chandelier1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOe8XgMLKhUuWtCIuGJhccRONQFuNFDV1NnRjOUH48_KxTltT9i1fMXPRHJgxb1QmTxPK8SpSfcbja5Q139vezqwP5Dii0MEbB3hN97BVI7FxjoelnYtK7_aFliy14eBQeHurLU3firWJ/s320/branch+chandelier1.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="Body"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">You will need to ask yourself a series of
questions. What activities typically or are likely to take place in the room
and what implications will this have for the illumination you will need? Are
there architectural features, boundaries, or furniture to which you will wish
to draw attention with your lighting or which may impose constraints?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Body"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">Consider the existing style of the room, its d</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">é</span><span lang="EN-US">cor as well as
the time of day the room will normally be used and by whom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Body"><b><span style="font-family: Assistant;">2-Familiarize yourself with the three main
lighting types</span></b></p>
<p class="Body"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">Once you</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve got a good idea of what your
priorities will be for illuminating a room, you</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">ll need to know about the various types
of lighting available.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Body"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">There are three key types: ambient lighting,
task lighting and accent, or mood lighting. Ambient lighting is also referred
to as background or general lighting, and provides a room with its overall
illumination–think recessed downlighters, large pendants and even some wall
lighting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Body"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Task lighting, meanwhile, is the kind of
lighting that serves as additional, targeted illumination for such daily tasks
as cooking, reading and using a laptop, as might be provided by the likes of
desk and floor lamps. Finally, mood or accent lighting highlights specific
features or items in a room, such as display cabinets, sculptures or ornaments.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Body"><b><span style="font-family: Assistant;">3-Take a layered approach</span></b></p>
<p class="Body"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">One of the most crucial points to make about the
three above categories of lighting is that you don</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">t need to restrict yourself to just one
type in a room. Indeed, the most impressive results may be obtained from an
artful combination of all three types.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx2sdAQ8WFyZt9pftIE1efjLKh5Ak0eG4UIwK6UZIrbAS2CdlZxKaNypAl-qZapTts8d7jd0geBBxqNN29aBSSxW0ziSw7sZL9tNybB_NKdYcd11zqAT5VaWclVwG1ugh26LToPQtEz7G/s1000/branch+chandelier2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx2sdAQ8WFyZt9pftIE1efjLKh5Ak0eG4UIwK6UZIrbAS2CdlZxKaNypAl-qZapTts8d7jd0geBBxqNN29aBSSxW0ziSw7sZL9tNybB_NKdYcd11zqAT5VaWclVwG1ugh26LToPQtEz7G/s320/branch+chandelier2.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="Body"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">This is where the layering of different lighting
types comes in–and it</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">s where adding and arranging the lighting in your space becomes
quite interesting. There</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">s no single right or wrong way to layer lighting in a room as much
depends on the size and shape of the room as well as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the ambience you</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">re aiming for.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Body"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">Nonetheless, there are some good rules of thumb
to keep in mind. If you</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">re looking to give the impression of the room being taller than it
is, some stylish low-hung pendants from a respected<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>brand like </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><a href="https://www.artcraftlighting.com/"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">ARTCRAFT Lightin</span></span></a></span></span><span lang="EN-US">g are
just what you need. . If you</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">d like a large room to look<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>more intimate and cozier, why not consider clusters of lighting?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Body"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Completing a room with lighting is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fun so be sure to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>enjoy the process<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by keeping<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the above strategies in mind to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>get your space just right.</span></span></p><p></p>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-65558735672726660632020-11-05T16:08:00.008-05:002020-11-05T19:17:15.985-05:002020 Cottage Season <p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Welcome to November! I can't believe 2020 is almost over and here I am, only starting to document a very long cottage season we just wrapped up. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Can we all agree we are not sad to see Year 2020 go? To many, 2020 has to be one of the most difficult years filled with stress, hardship and sadness. Fortunately to us, besides working ourselves to the bone and the inconvenience of not being able to travel for leisure, our lives were not impacted as much and our loved ones have been staying safe and healthy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">We were able to spend perhaps a month in total at our cottage in the previous years. But this past summer, since there was no work commitment to keep us in town or other travel plans, we were able to spend nearly half of the warmer months at the cottage. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>May</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Mid May was when we opened up the cottage this year. Since the lockdown in March, we couldn't wait for the cottage season to come any sooner.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Picture below: Mr. captured a sunset moment from our cottage porch. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz8KyPC-4VghK7CyfkG6XYY8aEgHjaLRMEWbvfgpdoiQQ9OEImmOJxJO-QlScjxyK0Oedgx25ZemNtAc6UyU8xvt3BZQ50of4d192q07MGhtdjhfSwAuXmB4k4mNMK9EauoiZ2CZF-Y5J/s3730/IMG_3555.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3730" data-original-width="2801" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz8KyPC-4VghK7CyfkG6XYY8aEgHjaLRMEWbvfgpdoiQQ9OEImmOJxJO-QlScjxyK0Oedgx25ZemNtAc6UyU8xvt3BZQ50of4d192q07MGhtdjhfSwAuXmB4k4mNMK9EauoiZ2CZF-Y5J/w300-h400/IMG_3555.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">This was what our cottage woods looked like when we first arrived. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFugy9QFtUOXuG3CFFEboGjFYXTm9zRpHOC6Jo-6eJIDgQS67LCYKD9Ww8fvuPgQi9pjDZH5OWU8iZtvKuPJ5sCbxSWPPMyRV6mr_wZCGlJTIEeLVTfJ0MW-dvMxV6llX_fnJJcQiJ-QIZ/s3982/IMG_8266.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3982" data-original-width="2986" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFugy9QFtUOXuG3CFFEboGjFYXTm9zRpHOC6Jo-6eJIDgQS67LCYKD9Ww8fvuPgQi9pjDZH5OWU8iZtvKuPJ5sCbxSWPPMyRV6mr_wZCGlJTIEeLVTfJ0MW-dvMxV6llX_fnJJcQiJ-QIZ/w300-h400/IMG_8266.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Within a matter of 3 days, the woods came back to life. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZf3cdR_At-AX9CYRP4jpqt5dKzjPp3g7b23cGY_3Ws9ajF0TRQ-APyZ11jkLVW_DkvTnM5OU0DkevZZ5FyDvV2QZn9CZtP13hRBHAghaVk7OJIapsEhVjkvXwSMY1gCd1ZISxRD5RkkS/s4032/IMG_8403.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZf3cdR_At-AX9CYRP4jpqt5dKzjPp3g7b23cGY_3Ws9ajF0TRQ-APyZ11jkLVW_DkvTnM5OU0DkevZZ5FyDvV2QZn9CZtP13hRBHAghaVk7OJIapsEhVjkvXwSMY1gCd1ZISxRD5RkkS/w300-h400/IMG_8403.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">The warmer Spring gave us a head start on this season's planting. This flower bed was an addition this year. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzBHY_n1hoBLmlRzXafKjMxdin4ORo_hGiCBxImi1F2AGkO8-FMHse8CR6PwlrQQ7Lo-j7LaCbUsfkJCByiqTK_NVqXRmvo8y4I_tVQhgpmLJ6uAN1NxY5LnHIuLSoIScG3uZuHS3umSN/s4032/IMG_8409.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzBHY_n1hoBLmlRzXafKjMxdin4ORo_hGiCBxImi1F2AGkO8-FMHse8CR6PwlrQQ7Lo-j7LaCbUsfkJCByiqTK_NVqXRmvo8y4I_tVQhgpmLJ6uAN1NxY5LnHIuLSoIScG3uZuHS3umSN/w300-h400/IMG_8409.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Added these Arctic Willows on the other side of the cottage. They grow fast so I hope to trim them into hedge next year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyzWvStsNqBfUR7R7jP7GsPPm63lomhy3CK0An4Gyh4eI43dnmB3B74OIY7OIsncmVdOoat4YvtfV0XprYbkMCGba3NwXUtaJdtu-8L3eEk1vryUKvwm4X0-5biTlaCEe7PFsZ0JAYHt2/s4032/IMG_8374.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyzWvStsNqBfUR7R7jP7GsPPm63lomhy3CK0An4Gyh4eI43dnmB3B74OIY7OIsncmVdOoat4YvtfV0XprYbkMCGba3NwXUtaJdtu-8L3eEk1vryUKvwm4X0-5biTlaCEe7PFsZ0JAYHt2/w300-h400/IMG_8374.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6Ji1d8FVeDcNxiL1HcQs6zd5K0LkwDKj71C_x14upQR-7Tgbs93NHqfW16_lXO-gBAmu8LMe6JVBrppXFudNQjn5POpp3e0RbHe7jwwQzN1YmzHS4z4jn4FVPY-AYBCZKdlClfZDSEAt/s4032/IMG_8375.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6Ji1d8FVeDcNxiL1HcQs6zd5K0LkwDKj71C_x14upQR-7Tgbs93NHqfW16_lXO-gBAmu8LMe6JVBrppXFudNQjn5POpp3e0RbHe7jwwQzN1YmzHS4z4jn4FVPY-AYBCZKdlClfZDSEAt/w300-h400/IMG_8375.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Cottage pool was well underway.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8qWfxDm7uPn017rJ5uSxn71M2Qp80s-GC3XDDVtEYH2C-n5bBCRudjKJHYPYdidksCm6PcdVtScGxmSpAyzu_8E368KsKVv-cklPUUPqJpPtWdZw5LhqWg02qIYanlXpBAFGexOCCSGF/s3950/IMG_8349.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3950" data-original-width="2962" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8qWfxDm7uPn017rJ5uSxn71M2Qp80s-GC3XDDVtEYH2C-n5bBCRudjKJHYPYdidksCm6PcdVtScGxmSpAyzu_8E368KsKVv-cklPUUPqJpPtWdZw5LhqWg02qIYanlXpBAFGexOCCSGF/w300-h400/IMG_8349.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><div style="text-align: left;">It became very clear to me early on during the lockdown that we would be working a lot more from our cottage this year. So we decided to install this <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/svalnaes-series-37660/">Ikea Svalnas </a>shelving unit with a desk so we could use the guest bedroom as an office. We've got so much use out of it this season so it was the best decision ever. </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeSjrr1kPBn1F5haF7WFujtue9lvlAsRJRqttX93IA3AuPH-ukd64UcpX9VSC9JAOoO1vRSe00HmFu2tt6F8DpWeRIvZFuAqzdkXmMl7pau6OPlJqAvkt0eZ0MNlZr7-ytLsmQWZo8vSz/s3913/IMG_8299.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3913" data-original-width="2935" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeSjrr1kPBn1F5haF7WFujtue9lvlAsRJRqttX93IA3AuPH-ukd64UcpX9VSC9JAOoO1vRSe00HmFu2tt6F8DpWeRIvZFuAqzdkXmMl7pau6OPlJqAvkt0eZ0MNlZr7-ytLsmQWZo8vSz/w300-h400/IMG_8299.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">To refresh your memory, this was what that wall looked like pre-Ikea Svalnas. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wjRwwPA-TdBSuNyR84o1j_9X-EfYejKeybKR9Fm2CsE9iWloVOMDFrIeqA0WflLwY_DxUWA5w2S6HzRlBZn4lz2kiQ5nbLLQY5q7dh2bFHoaBhPVW50Z_SS-Ml4bSbuZXG50mNGgOs9r/s3371/AM+Dolce+Vita+Cottage+Guest+Bedroom+MCM+Teak+Tallboy+Chest+July+2019-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2270" data-original-width="3371" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wjRwwPA-TdBSuNyR84o1j_9X-EfYejKeybKR9Fm2CsE9iWloVOMDFrIeqA0WflLwY_DxUWA5w2S6HzRlBZn4lz2kiQ5nbLLQY5q7dh2bFHoaBhPVW50Z_SS-Ml4bSbuZXG50mNGgOs9r/w400-h269/AM+Dolce+Vita+Cottage+Guest+Bedroom+MCM+Teak+Tallboy+Chest+July+2019-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4Lf7DF0l_k2Zehj1qP3hJwyYKCA7Irn-Hn32eYb6azqcsCy8SvAfB4rETn0jr6apFp5NFOzIFNciFsnr0gpeAQLzjd18JjRMQmbiJkMtP9HbM-nXKTKN6Gacx014SiRG6N4cy0W8elo6/s3941/IMG_8301.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3941" data-original-width="2664" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4Lf7DF0l_k2Zehj1qP3hJwyYKCA7Irn-Hn32eYb6azqcsCy8SvAfB4rETn0jr6apFp5NFOzIFNciFsnr0gpeAQLzjd18JjRMQmbiJkMtP9HbM-nXKTKN6Gacx014SiRG6N4cy0W8elo6/w270-h400/IMG_8301.HEIC" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>June </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">June is my favourite month at cottage: longer days, cooler temperature, a lot more greeneries, and fewer tourists in town. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">The new garden bed was already lush in early June. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRWjjNuZEQa1wh4pTvlzXbeYTE-tU11_RdvMVG0fTZ6qO5vXU0qxiPefMlvTsG0pWxtnHzN_9ZYx8xhiMT9uRAXTdRBbFyiBhdiebqmAs22F8FZK96RivJ3vKpcKl6rKxkZ_qQiMmodmZ/s4008/IMG_8765.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4008" data-original-width="3006" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRWjjNuZEQa1wh4pTvlzXbeYTE-tU11_RdvMVG0fTZ6qO5vXU0qxiPefMlvTsG0pWxtnHzN_9ZYx8xhiMT9uRAXTdRBbFyiBhdiebqmAs22F8FZK96RivJ3vKpcKl6rKxkZ_qQiMmodmZ/w300-h400/IMG_8765.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslHEop1j0guGeQqxuLJxvPm8qOjaw6JBGy8LRJNvftJ-xjF2GsKl4A8LknDR5yIhJIeJm7smXjTRO3mbQLvgWqWAIDTWhb3ss8wOUv_7ZEklU89U9n5X10dfBao4uZ5E6ff-YqWTxN2wL/s3775/IMG_8759.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3775" data-original-width="2831" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslHEop1j0guGeQqxuLJxvPm8qOjaw6JBGy8LRJNvftJ-xjF2GsKl4A8LknDR5yIhJIeJm7smXjTRO3mbQLvgWqWAIDTWhb3ss8wOUv_7ZEklU89U9n5X10dfBao4uZ5E6ff-YqWTxN2wL/w300-h400/IMG_8759.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">I was able to find not just one but two white Rhododendrons to add to our cottage garden this year. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNYqxW1KeC0hkucZ2ScZz9wmcQxGHMsHkPx3vhiBAdEXiGMj3z4q1Kln2JmkrVWL6Dy1Hef9N8I9Xt0HfZbGci7dwH1pPr7PeL6cQc69zGJKOWsWNH43KpeyWJtRz8-LK3TsMOdV6-5ra/s3398/IMG_8796.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3398" data-original-width="2548" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNYqxW1KeC0hkucZ2ScZz9wmcQxGHMsHkPx3vhiBAdEXiGMj3z4q1Kln2JmkrVWL6Dy1Hef9N8I9Xt0HfZbGci7dwH1pPr7PeL6cQc69zGJKOWsWNH43KpeyWJtRz8-LK3TsMOdV6-5ra/w300-h400/IMG_8796.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">The white Rhododendron Chionoides flowers are just dreamy. I could stare at them all day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDCBm2YtmMszd-iids2ebXnd_O3jGrn2160UxuxjC7TOCiS-8uo8mh1fiZ4S8DK1aGUZMLU9mtok8VCJIm5W6j62RWiuh7zapSTsKq6KpqSOx31Xpedu_VtMef9zY2P8cwzxy_iwtyODO/s4032/IMG_8731.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDCBm2YtmMszd-iids2ebXnd_O3jGrn2160UxuxjC7TOCiS-8uo8mh1fiZ4S8DK1aGUZMLU9mtok8VCJIm5W6j62RWiuh7zapSTsKq6KpqSOx31Xpedu_VtMef9zY2P8cwzxy_iwtyODO/w300-h400/IMG_8731.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">This white Potentilla Creme Brulee was from last year. I highly recommend this plant for its ease to grow and super long blooming time. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZMJ0DWmRIlTY5yoEDKoSpSZgZR5Pucp9BraD0L4HR7XVkNGzDrjOVzHcr8qSSvA2a_kQCi4pXKpIc-nX-XhXNQImqtYFFnTghbw3XQbiqDBPujjgHBMBXeCtMifsh0WvaRf0tyv0OGpO/s4032/IMG_8941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZMJ0DWmRIlTY5yoEDKoSpSZgZR5Pucp9BraD0L4HR7XVkNGzDrjOVzHcr8qSSvA2a_kQCi4pXKpIc-nX-XhXNQImqtYFFnTghbw3XQbiqDBPujjgHBMBXeCtMifsh0WvaRf0tyv0OGpO/w300-h400/IMG_8941.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Inside the house, I finally got around to replacing our builder basic range with <a href="https://www.kitchenaid.ca/en_ca/major-appliances/ranges/electric-ranges/electric-slide-in-range/p.30-inch-5-element-electric-convection-slide-in-range-with-baking-drawer.ykseb900ewh.html">this</a> KitchenAid slide-in electric range in white. Couldn't be happier with its oven temperature precision. The cooking elements however were extremely aggressive so it took me quite a while to get used to. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAmsYveMzeRLZs8l_Gt2_MpWdebwn1oQcbipMMX0TV4Boe1AOf9f-bUcNzyH9sURUpPAZxA3qnjJdpdiqHFcNsdZgCriuabV9vukwGDwgMtkHPGEBTG4Locm8gHxtlR_ck_LbBrdqj27m/s3456/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Kitchen+KitchenAid+White+Slidein+Range+June+2020-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAmsYveMzeRLZs8l_Gt2_MpWdebwn1oQcbipMMX0TV4Boe1AOf9f-bUcNzyH9sURUpPAZxA3qnjJdpdiqHFcNsdZgCriuabV9vukwGDwgMtkHPGEBTG4Locm8gHxtlR_ck_LbBrdqj27m/w266-h400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Kitchen+KitchenAid+White+Slidein+Range+June+2020-1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOzrz7WmCgD3hczYSYOtgfUIXrBqyT3ZFFrUYf3UShpxYGWHYJlm4uNnaAX5nTp3I_-64HXBFtrvXlgMMaq3IzI0qDupkThQNgIprl9KKyC9MS2HUBmQdCFUEAusyKs8SGMMkqVijlmQP/s3123/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Kitchen+KitchenAid+White+Slidein+Range+June+2020-2_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3123" data-original-width="1912" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOzrz7WmCgD3hczYSYOtgfUIXrBqyT3ZFFrUYf3UShpxYGWHYJlm4uNnaAX5nTp3I_-64HXBFtrvXlgMMaq3IzI0qDupkThQNgIprl9KKyC9MS2HUBmQdCFUEAusyKs8SGMMkqVijlmQP/w245-h400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Kitchen+KitchenAid+White+Slidein+Range+June+2020-2_Original.JPG" width="245" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">And because we've been spending so much time at cottage, I was able to start a tiny herb garden which came in very handy for making our favourite Caprese. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdI3vmepvC_oblhxpeFINqI1V5p5Si7iNir1CRfd9UPs4xWQyZRzXocetj8_fxbVo8vinIdxP-3YVTMrwUGgjRTdH-H3f4w8Jo_MXu8uPY2-CM10zdf0kofEpghONu5UngGrzPf_31RxlA/s3834/IMG_9154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3834" data-original-width="2876" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdI3vmepvC_oblhxpeFINqI1V5p5Si7iNir1CRfd9UPs4xWQyZRzXocetj8_fxbVo8vinIdxP-3YVTMrwUGgjRTdH-H3f4w8Jo_MXu8uPY2-CM10zdf0kofEpghONu5UngGrzPf_31RxlA/w300-h400/IMG_9154.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhx9IzSc0iWwrvcFXHv52PdHBB4in_Hj6f2JDMf-9wF4NUNvxFDX_O7HV7pjz94DHaoBc17Ph7wXS7k5T6WlxTQdI77AM8IyzydbmOphCZEgI8lyP7vBwlED4fuCtwQLN8I4yy6L4iYwZ/s3698/IMG_9158.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3698" data-original-width="2542" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhx9IzSc0iWwrvcFXHv52PdHBB4in_Hj6f2JDMf-9wF4NUNvxFDX_O7HV7pjz94DHaoBc17Ph7wXS7k5T6WlxTQdI77AM8IyzydbmOphCZEgI8lyP7vBwlED4fuCtwQLN8I4yy6L4iYwZ/w275-h400/IMG_9158.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Another Ikea Svalnas shelfing unit installed on this living room wall. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgylTTcIlTM63HyaRYi44Mfym8xM4SHX3fDI6NY6Z-KSkpWzH7QFrL8ANk1D7auRMH7i88kr-l-E5EpCBMk51-r_GRyqaRCcirNLNd_f2abH1EuGVKQHfBotmJBo95q3IxaNbYNhSotoK/s3456/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Cottage+Storage+June+2020-4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgylTTcIlTM63HyaRYi44Mfym8xM4SHX3fDI6NY6Z-KSkpWzH7QFrL8ANk1D7auRMH7i88kr-l-E5EpCBMk51-r_GRyqaRCcirNLNd_f2abH1EuGVKQHfBotmJBo95q3IxaNbYNhSotoK/w266-h400/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Cottage+Storage+June+2020-4.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Got around to styling the bigger Svalnas unit in the guest bedroom. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjmiq3jpjyThK4LGvizMAqopoqHLAkZsssoFpH1AibpvsWNJtFM_VMhpKK7X6T6_-4rNxqn-e0-RTIZGrdO8EWTac5dGXwLhaVaF5VdonPDP2PqV4_UL2bNKxpGOpbhvLmePbCtz0NJAS/s3456/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjmiq3jpjyThK4LGvizMAqopoqHLAkZsssoFpH1AibpvsWNJtFM_VMhpKK7X6T6_-4rNxqn-e0-RTIZGrdO8EWTac5dGXwLhaVaF5VdonPDP2PqV4_UL2bNKxpGOpbhvLmePbCtz0NJAS/w266-h400/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack2.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5293HYNQPUUFl_sGL0lafDj_bdXQgxnPCjC0MpwgF2NfJ1_a8qKwMMX0sS4l7SsjiQXqaZuuKuD0r8icTfDySVvHMv-12h49ANE1606BN4xFP8seNGzR3OgDDx3-Yt6N1kbWnLu1UW4n/s3374/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack3_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3374" data-original-width="2249" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5293HYNQPUUFl_sGL0lafDj_bdXQgxnPCjC0MpwgF2NfJ1_a8qKwMMX0sS4l7SsjiQXqaZuuKuD0r8icTfDySVvHMv-12h49ANE1606BN4xFP8seNGzR3OgDDx3-Yt6N1kbWnLu1UW4n/w266-h400/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack3_Original.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFqUh1LABK_ypxxyIxLtmIQM7w_B9n43Fp6zltSQ9NhBCR2lKdWChdVikyUHOAEwTurjhPfyOh_cbo-PMG8oTtwaGtr4sQpVTErG71USfqO3nGGmL0OzV6v7kalUlCkVJ7oxC87CP8iF_/s3422/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack4_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3422" data-original-width="2281" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFqUh1LABK_ypxxyIxLtmIQM7w_B9n43Fp6zltSQ9NhBCR2lKdWChdVikyUHOAEwTurjhPfyOh_cbo-PMG8oTtwaGtr4sQpVTErG71USfqO3nGGmL0OzV6v7kalUlCkVJ7oxC87CP8iF_/w266-h400/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack4_Original.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0RJOpFIxSORzEyVzTwOy56y4Z7XVSOUr8S4Zd8lkMcJSXejWsw_JlxNVa4CpNxWwoqNjDSmHgTSkrJurQ61HRnVmL3bsyjuTOrBdQCISO5SYtZH-OwWPCZ2z96i1mD_3MG0gJpzQAgkN/s3326/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2232" data-original-width="3326" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0RJOpFIxSORzEyVzTwOy56y4Z7XVSOUr8S4Zd8lkMcJSXejWsw_JlxNVa4CpNxWwoqNjDSmHgTSkrJurQ61HRnVmL3bsyjuTOrBdQCISO5SYtZH-OwWPCZ2z96i1mD_3MG0gJpzQAgkN/w400-h269/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0JjSrdENVu9qF75UcEzThJO34AmBte-JJVaASfKNmNRm-fliRNSvb94qqRyS4rPqlDWReq5WgO2norpFepuYdKjOsPm2phhhdOJrLuQDRWtinaf0QLpolAEgmclE_8qQqjATNMFmK-Bi/s3456/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0JjSrdENVu9qF75UcEzThJO34AmBte-JJVaASfKNmNRm-fliRNSvb94qqRyS4rPqlDWReq5WgO2norpFepuYdKjOsPm2phhhdOJrLuQDRWtinaf0QLpolAEgmclE_8qQqjATNMFmK-Bi/w266-h400/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack7.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">We added under-bed storage drawers and replaced the nightstands with floating ones to free up the floor space. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_3YdRB-1L_KKw7khiV47HNnzaHcKSPQPsatmp_qPmkeDbkFuc-7FL1ymXjj8BSmmddVMlSiVRd1XMIU6B0K1uQQiP2JgmQ0_2CdtYCaJkG_GnyUl4WaZURltnIIrQ3cerbVgHzWzA7BW/s3456/Ikea+Eket+Floating+Nightstand+Side+Table+Cottage+Guest+Bedroom+June+2020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_3YdRB-1L_KKw7khiV47HNnzaHcKSPQPsatmp_qPmkeDbkFuc-7FL1ymXjj8BSmmddVMlSiVRd1XMIU6B0K1uQQiP2JgmQ0_2CdtYCaJkG_GnyUl4WaZURltnIIrQ3cerbVgHzWzA7BW/w266-h400/Ikea+Eket+Floating+Nightstand+Side+Table+Cottage+Guest+Bedroom+June+2020.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SfO8yICneP4dWxmBxiv-EcU2TF1ElCBnzMv7gbaFmtMXnHxES-wnajITl7su3QDHkatf4qzH6T0zZWyTx-PowzicRShLGDCHNCDHpbh_BzxxGawBvzOWfmgUZtEfBp3XtY-0Vub204dx/s3625/IMG_9164.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3625" data-original-width="2719" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SfO8yICneP4dWxmBxiv-EcU2TF1ElCBnzMv7gbaFmtMXnHxES-wnajITl7su3QDHkatf4qzH6T0zZWyTx-PowzicRShLGDCHNCDHpbh_BzxxGawBvzOWfmgUZtEfBp3XtY-0Vub204dx/w300-h400/IMG_9164.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>July</b></span><div><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvM8Dp_Cdz__B-7GD_0xFgdhVFIw3JqK6Y0eKTY5Ij2VJakRQ2nJeIlRrWMTy3HVx2fnsqNbGpOxFy9_LCu4n-CSa_zQ1PjqzBFs5QV9PalDxo6CGBFPToR2bs9alvl6S3gAENHVkm-4i1/s3348/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Bedroom+Linen+Bedding+July+2020-1_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3348" data-original-width="2232" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvM8Dp_Cdz__B-7GD_0xFgdhVFIw3JqK6Y0eKTY5Ij2VJakRQ2nJeIlRrWMTy3HVx2fnsqNbGpOxFy9_LCu4n-CSa_zQ1PjqzBFs5QV9PalDxo6CGBFPToR2bs9alvl6S3gAENHVkm-4i1/w266-h400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Bedroom+Linen+Bedding+July+2020-1_Original.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">We had a ceiling fan in our master bedroom which we never turned on. We have central air conditioning at cottage so a ceiling fan seemed redundant. Not to say it's a bit of an eye sore. So in July, we finally got around to replacing it with this modern and minimalist branch chandelier - it looks so simplistic but it's nothing simple to put it up. I was just relieved that we were still married after the installation :). </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOK5uDj5sMIaOm6nUwcX1QcRWfOmyVptuA5Xn-kPTkMcT6cLnmFsvMhsyJHLbF8ZkYWeSJCZ-ak6uR3HHe0wqg6OTA4VOvFLwgPrqyGar_K1aDLMnRZP4l9mdfEuODsbJxHgKISaLQH6z/s3456/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Master+Bedroom+July+2020-6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOK5uDj5sMIaOm6nUwcX1QcRWfOmyVptuA5Xn-kPTkMcT6cLnmFsvMhsyJHLbF8ZkYWeSJCZ-ak6uR3HHe0wqg6OTA4VOvFLwgPrqyGar_K1aDLMnRZP4l9mdfEuODsbJxHgKISaLQH6z/w266-h400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Master+Bedroom+July+2020-6.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">The olive green organic linen throw was from Zara Home. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUZbYiCZoSJn1GbhLdy3y_NxqK7rdbbF7cy3a6y_opfB0d_GWr5-uePvbi9lWp5JbWkHPzzdZP8Lsgg-m_hILyVyD9FRw64I5pn1GvH9XZ0eNBPD8yhaARM2fQNb2EvMfBtxEt8SI82iO/s3456/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Master+Bedroom+July+2020-7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUZbYiCZoSJn1GbhLdy3y_NxqK7rdbbF7cy3a6y_opfB0d_GWr5-uePvbi9lWp5JbWkHPzzdZP8Lsgg-m_hILyVyD9FRw64I5pn1GvH9XZ0eNBPD8yhaARM2fQNb2EvMfBtxEt8SI82iO/w400-h266/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Master+Bedroom+July+2020-7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Mr. called dibs on the guest bedroom office. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvK_0oNGZOWSC-GBduPn0ayw-CcsTGuk1Jsd8vdmdg8gREncxqSogwwOAQA8FGobn0smFjXDJFB4Cv4JVEmSxuKdg0R_1NUD_eLlnffJRCdAEZLT5hzzHcrGUSGdf9WFRzyjvW6ItWIAd/s3456/DTZ+in+Cottage+Office+July+2020-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvK_0oNGZOWSC-GBduPn0ayw-CcsTGuk1Jsd8vdmdg8gREncxqSogwwOAQA8FGobn0smFjXDJFB4Cv4JVEmSxuKdg0R_1NUD_eLlnffJRCdAEZLT5hzzHcrGUSGdf9WFRzyjvW6ItWIAd/w266-h400/DTZ+in+Cottage+Office+July+2020-1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmYZJDAA8YExFXCm1mCFIVngizphi3GQbSY18hPdflXD_yOpIWzfVMzINMlhqz2b8fu3L1sUEP4JFbe7pXkvbmvb0OMV1IbSt4SSpVOXvIhlbK_bRvvAFrBT2KOmZFW-vs6oBFbffiNeV/s4032/IMG_9201.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmYZJDAA8YExFXCm1mCFIVngizphi3GQbSY18hPdflXD_yOpIWzfVMzINMlhqz2b8fu3L1sUEP4JFbe7pXkvbmvb0OMV1IbSt4SSpVOXvIhlbK_bRvvAFrBT2KOmZFW-vs6oBFbffiNeV/w300-h400/IMG_9201.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquQjFkR-lzHe7YCeXL5K9v51wai1yYlw50iqLTNmPQ78iHhOnyU-L7RhlkawiaF9g0fp9AupxdG3DEFpgoRtkOuUge3p3zpRQYm7dcbjGGNTcKrtReyCYJ7tmIlnvI9brc_batdw2ukJ_/s4032/IMG_9356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquQjFkR-lzHe7YCeXL5K9v51wai1yYlw50iqLTNmPQ78iHhOnyU-L7RhlkawiaF9g0fp9AupxdG3DEFpgoRtkOuUge3p3zpRQYm7dcbjGGNTcKrtReyCYJ7tmIlnvI9brc_batdw2ukJ_/w300-h400/IMG_9356.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Cottage pool was finally ready. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZAMvl3fVWuLC4LrV2IQXmrkhXmnLQBlNN-SiUqyZG7hiU5F3vS4ezHgw03qf9aJoZKbBLEtIrWOGOHPIYQEDYi_TOshrm25OvOXufCPFmtpXRTd3YFqj7CmQYUIfYA4qY2IKZkhVIQOv/s3936/IMG_9362.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3936" data-original-width="2952" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZAMvl3fVWuLC4LrV2IQXmrkhXmnLQBlNN-SiUqyZG7hiU5F3vS4ezHgw03qf9aJoZKbBLEtIrWOGOHPIYQEDYi_TOshrm25OvOXufCPFmtpXRTd3YFqj7CmQYUIfYA4qY2IKZkhVIQOv/w300-h400/IMG_9362.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sbroKdK9R4dRaAoUPdAF7aPgxWDZzbBn-UDe7USeDT5Rvxgwr2GTYMffcfSrVf2WrPMqXoSw4bZNW1wefKgx-jfycit-y4EYSQ1RCR02fJrLFOWqfg7TBoTqZjw2HWPFYtKQOEVBOihy/s3986/IMG_9365.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3986" data-original-width="2990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sbroKdK9R4dRaAoUPdAF7aPgxWDZzbBn-UDe7USeDT5Rvxgwr2GTYMffcfSrVf2WrPMqXoSw4bZNW1wefKgx-jfycit-y4EYSQ1RCR02fJrLFOWqfg7TBoTqZjw2HWPFYtKQOEVBOihy/w300-h400/IMG_9365.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">We hired <a href="https://www.terravistalandscape.com/">Terra Vista</a> Landscape to clean up a river rock filled area on this side of the cottage to create a flower bed. If you are in the Prince Edward County in need of a landscaping company for jobs big and small, give Terra Vista a call. I highly recommend them. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8icp7vbXkwLDUhZwwbRmqBAUCcv2jUqctpkqXvpVpx7YRTGt6RBNYAuBLesgxEK0ntb_jZ7AsbwFL0zFyc0Ku4pC5UFyzat7KlXdqKYThjsBVFBeHKCJSFMYyJ4qf3-eD6qMLQbttwkbR/s3998/IMG_9420.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3998" data-original-width="2998" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8icp7vbXkwLDUhZwwbRmqBAUCcv2jUqctpkqXvpVpx7YRTGt6RBNYAuBLesgxEK0ntb_jZ7AsbwFL0zFyc0Ku4pC5UFyzat7KlXdqKYThjsBVFBeHKCJSFMYyJ4qf3-eD6qMLQbttwkbR/w300-h400/IMG_9420.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAqfm28Z_IZTshUhmZ7YtNx8mW731GD2KC1rRjji5Ig22hiJIrnZrvDzNiRydOKRQJENsxEh3a5yqjmcgd2CRQPIQsFedxRxJFpnLlcr-8ZyLOPQBaDMk1ml_0kudX8IjwGpBVqk8T0Bt/s3815/IMG_9424.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3815" data-original-width="2816" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAqfm28Z_IZTshUhmZ7YtNx8mW731GD2KC1rRjji5Ig22hiJIrnZrvDzNiRydOKRQJENsxEh3a5yqjmcgd2CRQPIQsFedxRxJFpnLlcr-8ZyLOPQBaDMk1ml_0kudX8IjwGpBVqk8T0Bt/w295-h400/IMG_9424.HEIC" width="295" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrm34_geN4RHUteChHkQQtJbW8njTKYaE2gpmXPQXpvSS8Q-zvvhHqX9jeoIatkKtuktlaQm5eJOzZW-43gOXfNHNdbF2r0Pc7U1aik2jh6atw9ZWMPhRiOnL6IyGEgho6DxtgSQHsxNx/s4032/IMG_9476.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrm34_geN4RHUteChHkQQtJbW8njTKYaE2gpmXPQXpvSS8Q-zvvhHqX9jeoIatkKtuktlaQm5eJOzZW-43gOXfNHNdbF2r0Pc7U1aik2jh6atw9ZWMPhRiOnL6IyGEgho6DxtgSQHsxNx/w300-h400/IMG_9476.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq82jUHb1dbyURkJqQkypE5Ut0-yXlEIk67U2HUlVjFELcvhZZgQRlSKBTqyk84bB59dxYqNtBvjS7equnepq-JAACI_DKDdUvPt5FWfcsY5Nn_9XM2JIh1jgME4kYYj_xK1qb6G3K_7gE/s3806/IMG_9628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3806" data-original-width="2855" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq82jUHb1dbyURkJqQkypE5Ut0-yXlEIk67U2HUlVjFELcvhZZgQRlSKBTqyk84bB59dxYqNtBvjS7equnepq-JAACI_DKDdUvPt5FWfcsY5Nn_9XM2JIh1jgME4kYYj_xK1qb6G3K_7gE/w300-h400/IMG_9628.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnxd8Yat5P63f8W6Im0yjrto9XIpQ8EutJPv3u2l1spP42ImG6MySEusnByDbc9ywiHwIyoUGj2tboB_mqP1jH4s34-Y5a68yzhLk3n-LeY3ikSFBHnU8WWByjceU1X-VIsOUIm_2sf-j/s4014/IMG_9653.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4014" data-original-width="3010" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnxd8Yat5P63f8W6Im0yjrto9XIpQ8EutJPv3u2l1spP42ImG6MySEusnByDbc9ywiHwIyoUGj2tboB_mqP1jH4s34-Y5a68yzhLk3n-LeY3ikSFBHnU8WWByjceU1X-VIsOUIm_2sf-j/w300-h400/IMG_9653.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uiurat_tOAuzWHZ6pbEMLEpXZz901TqC3s-e7AQhCrR9vDnghTgDzZWgpGMTrQ3c4NztG7A04YhjQju3uyR89rs_XhqXWrxeCKxDbAxJfYm5GV4MQU3v0VMThvGnCN3NIn7ds7wDgw5V/s4032/IMG_9681.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uiurat_tOAuzWHZ6pbEMLEpXZz901TqC3s-e7AQhCrR9vDnghTgDzZWgpGMTrQ3c4NztG7A04YhjQju3uyR89rs_XhqXWrxeCKxDbAxJfYm5GV4MQU3v0VMThvGnCN3NIn7ds7wDgw5V/w300-h400/IMG_9681.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">This shrub rose "Carefree Delight" was an addition this year. It bloomed well into the late fall. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeDv-IhPAGbXcW8fzYLmOxhdrhYLxA9yKTMzZKsNZjzLzDZ5ZPxv_kQHziwNGnyR8Xn6lsJarFwm5WwllJ_tkkO7Fctxvmxsb7ZUtyZSIJNInVZf_TiQWdfj1wEbZeGylgOUUzQj7oue_/s3963/IMG_9684.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3963" data-original-width="2972" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeDv-IhPAGbXcW8fzYLmOxhdrhYLxA9yKTMzZKsNZjzLzDZ5ZPxv_kQHziwNGnyR8Xn6lsJarFwm5WwllJ_tkkO7Fctxvmxsb7ZUtyZSIJNInVZf_TiQWdfj1wEbZeGylgOUUzQj7oue_/w300-h400/IMG_9684.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVerkoI5slltFpenio901GwT9f5pLhhERZ27Lqgaj0Ci3WJaA5PlkwIQHpSORalsB-GI9xqPVSwp5d4Gf3bmWggUHtdorzmfHARtVSBM8RWwmAYviPRRpmypjFjU2ZqvtTTUP5diGNkal/s3875/IMG_9706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3875" data-original-width="2906" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVerkoI5slltFpenio901GwT9f5pLhhERZ27Lqgaj0Ci3WJaA5PlkwIQHpSORalsB-GI9xqPVSwp5d4Gf3bmWggUHtdorzmfHARtVSBM8RWwmAYviPRRpmypjFjU2ZqvtTTUP5diGNkal/w300-h400/IMG_9706.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_tJ6EEo4xbxKdsxXPJqN1U_u_JEpg_aQdVMhZex531B3oYZSTq59LHBRmG-8E2nlMVK97sMcdtXRIGlDC4NQFjlyDRmchG-_NaRpSgCDTzBX0wGpA2vPKm88TrsgZtAN_AwQjc8p2do8/s3916/Facetune_28-07-2020-19-31-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3916" data-original-width="2628" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_tJ6EEo4xbxKdsxXPJqN1U_u_JEpg_aQdVMhZex531B3oYZSTq59LHBRmG-8E2nlMVK97sMcdtXRIGlDC4NQFjlyDRmchG-_NaRpSgCDTzBX0wGpA2vPKm88TrsgZtAN_AwQjc8p2do8/w269-h400/Facetune_28-07-2020-19-31-10.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6GIpwsoRK_2MWIrK2RPE7V1N8XEWWdMrTS4H-zF2dcY5JNkgLRwzoA227D5wkGCXrcdeVZLOcSdc6P4I4xFi1Vpb0syMNO3UHext-OyXiUQDBqwV8KyMp9hutmIFpAcF8SknD1RPDi0G/s3779/IMG_9755.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3779" data-original-width="2834" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6GIpwsoRK_2MWIrK2RPE7V1N8XEWWdMrTS4H-zF2dcY5JNkgLRwzoA227D5wkGCXrcdeVZLOcSdc6P4I4xFi1Vpb0syMNO3UHext-OyXiUQDBqwV8KyMp9hutmIFpAcF8SknD1RPDi0G/w300-h400/IMG_9755.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>August</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">We usually stopped working Friday afternoon to give us a head start on the weekend. It gave us more time to explore the county. This was a small goat farm behind the PEC General Store. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlGfZhyphenhyphenEYoeyLhSyZ9_20oZRIsn_hVm46VEU1QL1GD7eEaom01iT0R4ZXUWGgICauIeRKFS-Kxcb2PhLNC1q25jZtwWnG6yMnY0uHIUGY5KZHY6Q04IzzLVNXvPCALzRde3Pvy-KvZX4v/s3963/IMG_9904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3963" data-original-width="2972" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlGfZhyphenhyphenEYoeyLhSyZ9_20oZRIsn_hVm46VEU1QL1GD7eEaom01iT0R4ZXUWGgICauIeRKFS-Kxcb2PhLNC1q25jZtwWnG6yMnY0uHIUGY5KZHY6Q04IzzLVNXvPCALzRde3Pvy-KvZX4v/w300-h400/IMG_9904.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGfnVTK9tP6CyK-mQlf1TLhievlGBss6hu9p4vPwqYTwR4Fi9qpJj3O-3btEvSI6-Acs8vlIbfity03FBoPVEWq8sDgIRZxq-9mQ0jjaGKMznqo_jX6XccZ_JRH5YCVxkJyeY0TEB_p65/s1195/Facetune_09-08-2020-20-16-09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="656" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGfnVTK9tP6CyK-mQlf1TLhievlGBss6hu9p4vPwqYTwR4Fi9qpJj3O-3btEvSI6-Acs8vlIbfity03FBoPVEWq8sDgIRZxq-9mQ0jjaGKMznqo_jX6XccZ_JRH5YCVxkJyeY0TEB_p65/w220-h400/Facetune_09-08-2020-20-16-09.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Hydrangea Phantom in full bloom. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8lEGsOIFXbGhESpYurO3gWbGrjopxwWYQZARe-Yf9QO0m0tCgUD13JRjLpitslOfJdpEEY4ibviCyKc7MJsfGByGLmPW55mwnxaTKFnB9i8QFmdN_MqzMCyvOvaCzi53qyG7IKDucCFY/s3993/IMG_9941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3993" data-original-width="2995" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8lEGsOIFXbGhESpYurO3gWbGrjopxwWYQZARe-Yf9QO0m0tCgUD13JRjLpitslOfJdpEEY4ibviCyKc7MJsfGByGLmPW55mwnxaTKFnB9i8QFmdN_MqzMCyvOvaCzi53qyG7IKDucCFY/w300-h400/IMG_9941.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">The new flower bed Terra Vista created was in full bloom: pink Gayfeather, yellow flashpoint Kniphofia. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcof-TNN-m6nYUZ8eg2_-b60wkj7KDhJWrbD6FuOgqdV0lzawTIJLcsxZNwf0HwpTbnWdDmvLnterBmRjGxrcrfxoUactJUQcgFTGEIKJUJyNA8Hu1Y0aftHnfzD3ilSV73TLFCc7AcS6E/s3793/IMG_9945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3793" data-original-width="2844" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcof-TNN-m6nYUZ8eg2_-b60wkj7KDhJWrbD6FuOgqdV0lzawTIJLcsxZNwf0HwpTbnWdDmvLnterBmRjGxrcrfxoUactJUQcgFTGEIKJUJyNA8Hu1Y0aftHnfzD3ilSV73TLFCc7AcS6E/w300-h400/IMG_9945.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWuVGX89rBERZOIr01p5R9yfFTjTtQp8f4R-GeOzI1lkQ7unFoHo1aX_pY75i9dYOfsFTygGAagZgXgzHEL9OO70e-md92_p9n69mZz2KCdbBCwq2xMHHsaqFUZ3-9XTVskY_f8YOn4AY/s3887/IMG_9952.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3887" data-original-width="2915" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWuVGX89rBERZOIr01p5R9yfFTjTtQp8f4R-GeOzI1lkQ7unFoHo1aX_pY75i9dYOfsFTygGAagZgXgzHEL9OO70e-md92_p9n69mZz2KCdbBCwq2xMHHsaqFUZ3-9XTVskY_f8YOn4AY/w300-h400/IMG_9952.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixGxLUSkjYhxsuNPpUa3dsmIj9PnWldoSStc3DOETXu45LSYwFmRnkNGLvCji7c0ydUAQ_OuV4l4BGnsUM8ZnelNccp6SAUWo48bhvHmd5aTASHm5aXmDZ-U_mNhJqprKxd0JJrpKQbDn/s3793/IMG_9954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3793" data-original-width="2844" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixGxLUSkjYhxsuNPpUa3dsmIj9PnWldoSStc3DOETXu45LSYwFmRnkNGLvCji7c0ydUAQ_OuV4l4BGnsUM8ZnelNccp6SAUWo48bhvHmd5aTASHm5aXmDZ-U_mNhJqprKxd0JJrpKQbDn/w300-h400/IMG_9954.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">We also finally managed to inflate our raft and took it to the lake for a float - it only took us two months to unbox it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SPEmIABNzjUZDIEYdNxeyS9ps3cg9I7XR5J1E73jNexjTm5hz4HBXjaR_S9MlekHNp9HdCv0qjOUp5vvG3ICVlqrh9Te-golVycDxj6USXhjWP8rqJiPySEZKyWdOw2QrZGx2Wt0rvRp/s4032/IMG_9962.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SPEmIABNzjUZDIEYdNxeyS9ps3cg9I7XR5J1E73jNexjTm5hz4HBXjaR_S9MlekHNp9HdCv0qjOUp5vvG3ICVlqrh9Te-golVycDxj6USXhjWP8rqJiPySEZKyWdOw2QrZGx2Wt0rvRp/w300-h400/IMG_9962.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">There were tree frogs like this everywhere around our cottage. They startled me from time to time when they jumped to escape my potential bone-shattering stumbles. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1qkhq9Z49VhmvKyYkolZBEwLVaVObN457DrRgDMW_bLZ07Ez3Z4gVPMFSHb6PdRJF34do8jr44VW2IzziXxJ4psclfh32PMNT0dCGAweURmEAw2zlpam-NrnoC1OCAiQQlnILSnTQlgp/s3471/IMG_9991.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3471" data-original-width="2068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1qkhq9Z49VhmvKyYkolZBEwLVaVObN457DrRgDMW_bLZ07Ez3Z4gVPMFSHb6PdRJF34do8jr44VW2IzziXxJ4psclfh32PMNT0dCGAweURmEAw2zlpam-NrnoC1OCAiQQlnILSnTQlgp/w239-h400/IMG_9991.HEIC" width="239" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">I came across a few of these alien-like Stinkhorn (devil's horn) fungus in our woods during the muggier days of summer. They certainly lived up to their fame oozing a rotten stench. Ew! </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7FoEBb7cUy2TUzbk4O_3Qf132yH9vxX1PnyE0cvXGLAUn34GDtpAtgKx5Ez7R2xSZJcC-7CM2v01rsRq-NEVqWkgoGIQvPzTDXeiDGZfXPpt4lkCJE6FSXNqJ7GcXQxHuT9wX7i9L6lu/s1024/IMG_9994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7FoEBb7cUy2TUzbk4O_3Qf132yH9vxX1PnyE0cvXGLAUn34GDtpAtgKx5Ez7R2xSZJcC-7CM2v01rsRq-NEVqWkgoGIQvPzTDXeiDGZfXPpt4lkCJE6FSXNqJ7GcXQxHuT9wX7i9L6lu/w300-h400/IMG_9994.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajg6J3DFRo4WWSwEJaIquhiHRAKEZaCxLxcyGOQPqjDN0SIpBu10Wfvq7xcrv4pX0Cjkn_mIzpFFbPWYjKMgBfq5QQ2EjbjCDwPEijSj39wQs2oZviim6XaboOqaHKAcFqfpsziJC3zvn/s1218/IMG_9995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajg6J3DFRo4WWSwEJaIquhiHRAKEZaCxLxcyGOQPqjDN0SIpBu10Wfvq7xcrv4pX0Cjkn_mIzpFFbPWYjKMgBfq5QQ2EjbjCDwPEijSj39wQs2oZviim6XaboOqaHKAcFqfpsziJC3zvn/w263-h400/IMG_9995.JPG" width="263" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEA5rho2Wpgyv2iHlvh2BDHYgU2qhxWHwLeEHHKGUQugNN0_xhRLvWd-Xd6do6r8OIuyyhmC_rA_-c_XeCDAHawaHOeReIiG6HE2KL2S0Z2S2rouBhDN-XxRhiajuA0xa-gI4D7YSM_W7d/s3456/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Ikea+Svnalas+Shelving+Aug+2020-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEA5rho2Wpgyv2iHlvh2BDHYgU2qhxWHwLeEHHKGUQugNN0_xhRLvWd-Xd6do6r8OIuyyhmC_rA_-c_XeCDAHawaHOeReIiG6HE2KL2S0Z2S2rouBhDN-XxRhiajuA0xa-gI4D7YSM_W7d/w266-h400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Ikea+Svnalas+Shelving+Aug+2020-1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFua0PcCNJJQOzTm4bOigfrgBDu3xamtdXnwnd15kLjh7A02wIWCUkRenalPlG_HND4safnXP_0HgzphZlrFPQydeO8Vg10qK0YvhNMjPS3APk__unfw2HUvuQmLFXYfX4-npD9oPmH8L/s3456/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Ikea+Svnalas+Shelving+Aug+2020-3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFua0PcCNJJQOzTm4bOigfrgBDu3xamtdXnwnd15kLjh7A02wIWCUkRenalPlG_HND4safnXP_0HgzphZlrFPQydeO8Vg10qK0YvhNMjPS3APk__unfw2HUvuQmLFXYfX4-npD9oPmH8L/w266-h400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Ikea+Svnalas+Shelving+Aug+2020-3.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">This is now my favourite spot inside the cottage. CH25 easy chair was super comfortable to sit in for a hot cup of tea. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mZEmIscH7B5DWR6XgAEwAu2wJDBFUQ9HhGzkp-DJhQyN4vrxEst-9iAUF6D9w4LYQGcCDL6XLKsqev646ufkqpaiOBfl3YciSJHxb3_hpPtgOD4do37zUXFDviq4q1masTwlOVcrNfbN/s3456/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Ikea+Svnalas+Shelving+Aug+2020-6_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mZEmIscH7B5DWR6XgAEwAu2wJDBFUQ9HhGzkp-DJhQyN4vrxEst-9iAUF6D9w4LYQGcCDL6XLKsqev646ufkqpaiOBfl3YciSJHxb3_hpPtgOD4do37zUXFDviq4q1masTwlOVcrNfbN/w266-h400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Ikea+Svnalas+Shelving+Aug+2020-6_Original.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSblL81QWB8SA8io2Wf0GaF9yOGVmGQKMtUmSnWezjfiV1xMYkkrWAApfebkb0RDRe0rUADY3YRoEi9GTt-Kgg5MhgjCNWT8gE5s13kh03jkrgYzMgoMbNJPmtvvHu5VhGfbz3zOoxunYv/s3394/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Ikea+Svnalas+Shelving+Aug+2020-3_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3394" data-original-width="2263" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSblL81QWB8SA8io2Wf0GaF9yOGVmGQKMtUmSnWezjfiV1xMYkkrWAApfebkb0RDRe0rUADY3YRoEi9GTt-Kgg5MhgjCNWT8gE5s13kh03jkrgYzMgoMbNJPmtvvHu5VhGfbz3zOoxunYv/w266-h400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Ikea+Svnalas+Shelving+Aug+2020-3_Original.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho65UNkg1WKl4biZchdRCkC3nNGczt5ApoilF6Kfdx7dgvJF2VY7_9vKbgv0JzahD71d3tSK30WOpoi3R9TX6nItNQ6imMrO2h54L90_9YYWjPYZCrajhOG37vrDfDq95ElIDIJf8V0M-F/s3456/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Ikea+Svnalas+Shelving+Aug+2020-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho65UNkg1WKl4biZchdRCkC3nNGczt5ApoilF6Kfdx7dgvJF2VY7_9vKbgv0JzahD71d3tSK30WOpoi3R9TX6nItNQ6imMrO2h54L90_9YYWjPYZCrajhOG37vrDfDq95ElIDIJf8V0M-F/w400-h266/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Ikea+Svnalas+Shelving+Aug+2020-5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Rose of Sharon Diana White has the most delicate flowers. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB29A8oEuyeL1m2mPo7jxMqBOBy1ech0j7oggSEkQX-Cx7s_Mm_jCiO_6QWPz6ozpl5JMiAL7g4qPil57g-2JbcYhRUv815FDSY8csyG9BF-5LZ2Kqlqx0ElfM2eCx7mN6Vd2za11MkCcP/s3687/IMG_9999.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3687" data-original-width="2766" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB29A8oEuyeL1m2mPo7jxMqBOBy1ech0j7oggSEkQX-Cx7s_Mm_jCiO_6QWPz6ozpl5JMiAL7g4qPil57g-2JbcYhRUv815FDSY8csyG9BF-5LZ2Kqlqx0ElfM2eCx7mN6Vd2za11MkCcP/w300-h400/IMG_9999.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeghlUD__JhEZs_Qk36UTxnNvRUcsZCih99eMRBWXEQ2aLt8fgVKNG8PTjc0XVxZ6RIHWrno7pxykYEF-INDnFQXGsV7xu7GbYlRSnqTsgr1apKsJ9DXLCkwLSI0dvz4yTohtRxddJ9X9q/s3882/IMG_0003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3882" data-original-width="2911" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeghlUD__JhEZs_Qk36UTxnNvRUcsZCih99eMRBWXEQ2aLt8fgVKNG8PTjc0XVxZ6RIHWrno7pxykYEF-INDnFQXGsV7xu7GbYlRSnqTsgr1apKsJ9DXLCkwLSI0dvz4yTohtRxddJ9X9q/w300-h400/IMG_0003.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_Fu7CnSJs77gaEEgnZtHQxSY1ZI_1T3poTdRx-TMfPePDnP1FDy3hAj4MSeOoWcISCsZee5I-UyJtwfXc60WLLMbnCLpXeNuCiap12CDCG3N7FoX0-stGzg_1zRM46bXVWWyiRf_yQQ_/s3678/IMG_0024.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3678" data-original-width="2760" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_Fu7CnSJs77gaEEgnZtHQxSY1ZI_1T3poTdRx-TMfPePDnP1FDy3hAj4MSeOoWcISCsZee5I-UyJtwfXc60WLLMbnCLpXeNuCiap12CDCG3N7FoX0-stGzg_1zRM46bXVWWyiRf_yQQ_/w300-h400/IMG_0024.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">We drove by this pond on our way to Belleville. Did this scene not remind you of a <a href="https://renatomuccillo.com/section/81016.html">Renato Muccillo</a> painting?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwzmzuX8xHypTi6FFCUOq1AD9nN15SJ4mP-O7E-PGk7JuOPTxVzKEKYqSgXBuXh6nGNMeoUofgyR9iNbD0r7buogOkgRNT4LWDxxHYKA2SDvjtbc9ik8KnQlNnIWd6us3sS4Zcd358xwT/s983/IMG_0032.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="724" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwzmzuX8xHypTi6FFCUOq1AD9nN15SJ4mP-O7E-PGk7JuOPTxVzKEKYqSgXBuXh6nGNMeoUofgyR9iNbD0r7buogOkgRNT4LWDxxHYKA2SDvjtbc9ik8KnQlNnIWd6us3sS4Zcd358xwT/w295-h400/IMG_0032.PNG" width="295" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">We spent a lot of our time after dinner on the beach. Nothing felt more calming and liberating than waves gently brushing our feet. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0bQ_15byZjwAKIKSDIAr_pSCjvsUcJggYrJFGnZKCUkmukbTph9oi9Kqwc3LpXH_eZAmmyrTRJxpmp5GeRDYBm6Z8p5IHX7tMMOxygwkEF2E-zS7exgBuTvRdgjcTyaSi0Gl-760HCRA/s4032/IMG_0038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0bQ_15byZjwAKIKSDIAr_pSCjvsUcJggYrJFGnZKCUkmukbTph9oi9Kqwc3LpXH_eZAmmyrTRJxpmp5GeRDYBm6Z8p5IHX7tMMOxygwkEF2E-zS7exgBuTvRdgjcTyaSi0Gl-760HCRA/w300-h400/IMG_0038.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVvHirnHR-XDkwbzGi8iefCXNEJRDSDXBVj_74Jv0lbpDoLXSWU5Tq17MZmWdgTyPtUlIy2UwI5kL5YMnAJbxuzN3Nth1Ii7XrIuGIawKcmjs6BeruyKKi95-0QLEPhTiz8RMYeVnEH2p/s3658/IMG_0066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3658" data-original-width="2573" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVvHirnHR-XDkwbzGi8iefCXNEJRDSDXBVj_74Jv0lbpDoLXSWU5Tq17MZmWdgTyPtUlIy2UwI5kL5YMnAJbxuzN3Nth1Ii7XrIuGIawKcmjs6BeruyKKi95-0QLEPhTiz8RMYeVnEH2p/w281-h400/IMG_0066.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">The Sandbanks Dunes Beach is a short five minutes drive from our cottage. We certainly got a lot of good and low-impact workouts exploring different sand dunes. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj-n9J9oSsjloMlVS6N9qgOVd7-Oq7EHrX2Kwc5ZRkwHJBXGT8mruyyLw-XLh0R75paUQ8inTA460Gknq1DRQLVYmOnJ53ajWZPrZ1fafVlDttTfc42KXNSTBpsxTRRQiPh88eadGTqVg/s3996/IMG_0107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2676" data-original-width="3996" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj-n9J9oSsjloMlVS6N9qgOVd7-Oq7EHrX2Kwc5ZRkwHJBXGT8mruyyLw-XLh0R75paUQ8inTA460Gknq1DRQLVYmOnJ53ajWZPrZ1fafVlDttTfc42KXNSTBpsxTRRQiPh88eadGTqVg/w400-h268/IMG_0107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoOk-zJmsmXa2bzbPkyqEqTQMEEQkLwWcRc_hw749R6jKRzUvpFVNh0ji9ccY5OzvLy3HTarbW9DtIbyJtxF5fxUu8SImmnySsJH4oQr4O2s4tLRdnS1SuzEFWaJAqHcZw3e5nhyEEffE/s3982/IMG_0121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2986" data-original-width="3982" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoOk-zJmsmXa2bzbPkyqEqTQMEEQkLwWcRc_hw749R6jKRzUvpFVNh0ji9ccY5OzvLy3HTarbW9DtIbyJtxF5fxUu8SImmnySsJH4oQr4O2s4tLRdnS1SuzEFWaJAqHcZw3e5nhyEEffE/w400-h300/IMG_0121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFhNAb6U3RUQTFOjjvYK6cWBasPdyqB9QkKDH1Avwvg0pIcZRIyIPwZqcu6Ht4LO_TZokMaq7HR1UcA4-hrMfMky5pIDMRZZKbTcVx3egaBj3ggSEwbtPwV00kSsImbP0UfJOHmrcfN2U/s3963/IMG_0125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3963" data-original-width="2972" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFhNAb6U3RUQTFOjjvYK6cWBasPdyqB9QkKDH1Avwvg0pIcZRIyIPwZqcu6Ht4LO_TZokMaq7HR1UcA4-hrMfMky5pIDMRZZKbTcVx3egaBj3ggSEwbtPwV00kSsImbP0UfJOHmrcfN2U/w300-h400/IMG_0125.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0kMX2BeF8Ez5oB3rRzkm9AW5zO7lmL9QwFyaXSBr_PaOPn0Lo04yRgmMp9C5ac6-BEQH8CG-NZPo6qk_pVGESzVCrW9OMWmgDGfnRRghZlzQT-bwlouk_9rwp2pBxSs6kOjO1Fu1ZzrU/s3430/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Dining+Room+Aug+2020-2_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3430" data-original-width="2286" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0kMX2BeF8Ez5oB3rRzkm9AW5zO7lmL9QwFyaXSBr_PaOPn0Lo04yRgmMp9C5ac6-BEQH8CG-NZPo6qk_pVGESzVCrW9OMWmgDGfnRRghZlzQT-bwlouk_9rwp2pBxSs6kOjO1Fu1ZzrU/w266-h400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Dining+Room+Aug+2020-2_Original.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibg3-a6tmmKRFmdEtiL9RQRzcdZEzR6CQnTWVCF4W25YIwR_o8Ca9Bx2Mn1VP_RNBBKzW5fEOxVxtGEZ6U5B2U5pQvPXAJa7woEVP4TsW_N6aTzLyS6J_hTOKWcirHl_SoadQLhWW4YQfL/s3411/Wild+Queen+Anne%2527s+Lace+HM+Home+Vase-1_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3411" data-original-width="2274" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibg3-a6tmmKRFmdEtiL9RQRzcdZEzR6CQnTWVCF4W25YIwR_o8Ca9Bx2Mn1VP_RNBBKzW5fEOxVxtGEZ6U5B2U5pQvPXAJa7woEVP4TsW_N6aTzLyS6J_hTOKWcirHl_SoadQLhWW4YQfL/w266-h400/Wild+Queen+Anne%2527s+Lace+HM+Home+Vase-1_Original.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpp_HhLMFyhBpkA_5P5KvGatS_ZWehSmcV4BhvLUlxtwYQDOz4v2bB4SaT462ybnJI_5SdNY42vxKPgzmhF4s_mB0wtTyOUeCxsQvq6rHJkB0QjgaoTMZFNIj4qrWwbkA64UJ4B7Ecd75c/s4032/IMG_0150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpp_HhLMFyhBpkA_5P5KvGatS_ZWehSmcV4BhvLUlxtwYQDOz4v2bB4SaT462ybnJI_5SdNY42vxKPgzmhF4s_mB0wtTyOUeCxsQvq6rHJkB0QjgaoTMZFNIj4qrWwbkA64UJ4B7Ecd75c/w300-h400/IMG_0150.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6POoy1GS_BowtqsJC3i8u99e96QX_Q0DnnjJvtKFjze9EZqnZ3rCCm3e-5qgP3MAcW79TD6oX-sz-Yf1pCd-NvXMcERdMK-7TLHeG0Vn9FUomhoS_5n8I9nVv9Gj9CG-WdckUeddJ7jCD/s4032/IMG_0161.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6POoy1GS_BowtqsJC3i8u99e96QX_Q0DnnjJvtKFjze9EZqnZ3rCCm3e-5qgP3MAcW79TD6oX-sz-Yf1pCd-NvXMcERdMK-7TLHeG0Vn9FUomhoS_5n8I9nVv9Gj9CG-WdckUeddJ7jCD/w300-h400/IMG_0161.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEMFidqd8n7LHmAnvraEke4T3-aDtGGBHv8m6gQYFlBE26JpKPeCeVzA2EZ0ePcn1RyRY_AXllmJaPN5HNvPFAq-2nuPtXc6pIYPVtpGT3zcYiG7tTPGzkDwhB7fPp43wvxHEhyBiGF6O/s3578/IMG_0163.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3578" data-original-width="2684" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEMFidqd8n7LHmAnvraEke4T3-aDtGGBHv8m6gQYFlBE26JpKPeCeVzA2EZ0ePcn1RyRY_AXllmJaPN5HNvPFAq-2nuPtXc6pIYPVtpGT3zcYiG7tTPGzkDwhB7fPp43wvxHEhyBiGF6O/w300-h400/IMG_0163.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhbulorOP6ZNBmzuy8eZ5p45HLi13IIFbz81oHuHsu9wZT0LfL3WMpaoqwgh2jlig7UfAo6QGpTUmZAP73tfna6op1ROMO4gP1b9lh44rB1Gj5Qza4qZOT0ePojaSwctO-wdutzO6EHZc/s3774/IMG_0177.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3774" data-original-width="2830" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhbulorOP6ZNBmzuy8eZ5p45HLi13IIFbz81oHuHsu9wZT0LfL3WMpaoqwgh2jlig7UfAo6QGpTUmZAP73tfna6op1ROMO4gP1b9lh44rB1Gj5Qza4qZOT0ePojaSwctO-wdutzO6EHZc/w300-h400/IMG_0177.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>September</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">I was ready to go home for good after a long stay at cottage. A big part of the fun at cottage was to explore local shops and try out different new restaurants in the county. But this year obviously we weren't able to do any of that. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Picture below: a swamp near our cottage, I found the sunset in the distance extremely soothing so I spent quite a bit of my early evenings there. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gmp-XXgAtfVyOLVikS3ATaFj1sdE86jr4wbLwu3IZUuTf6y6YG0hDyKQVole6wBTv_6hy-Q16Z8QGx1JHfX_L6PBmyto_SWMFrHzNtDWPXMvMINuDAj_1MaM-qpT4JPHXhMo0gL9rJK4/s11184/IMG_0721.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3932" data-original-width="11184" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gmp-XXgAtfVyOLVikS3ATaFj1sdE86jr4wbLwu3IZUuTf6y6YG0hDyKQVole6wBTv_6hy-Q16Z8QGx1JHfX_L6PBmyto_SWMFrHzNtDWPXMvMINuDAj_1MaM-qpT4JPHXhMo0gL9rJK4/w400-h141/IMG_0721.HEIC" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAD536RRhE2QiS0MHaxcT_m1_bkti8Ln4DoTuplTRtgpDhx52ArLwDPX6Emfbx-3kAD-v5mrh2wmWQqeZtUdzuxPSjuiWZ3B6iMUWCYXR9CW9RhcBm-uJ0BsAu6z6au2FmWEkheTbfVgH/s3957/IMG_0715.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3957" data-original-width="2176" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAD536RRhE2QiS0MHaxcT_m1_bkti8Ln4DoTuplTRtgpDhx52ArLwDPX6Emfbx-3kAD-v5mrh2wmWQqeZtUdzuxPSjuiWZ3B6iMUWCYXR9CW9RhcBm-uJ0BsAu6z6au2FmWEkheTbfVgH/w220-h400/IMG_0715.HEIC" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84SRf0zpRWU8WM26MO9OkE7415SvCL_eQAyf0mU8XkC1kq-4FZRz7wVQgY878GO6g9buftK7DUjXfJrY_bta5K39GTKF_sShWkf_Bs4Wqpxy6v7xpusbrXyhGiDO_59q5UYPCYcxAhE2_/s1334/8CE5C67B-B2A6-41FF-8FB0-0D8EDEB58FF1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84SRf0zpRWU8WM26MO9OkE7415SvCL_eQAyf0mU8XkC1kq-4FZRz7wVQgY878GO6g9buftK7DUjXfJrY_bta5K39GTKF_sShWkf_Bs4Wqpxy6v7xpusbrXyhGiDO_59q5UYPCYcxAhE2_/w225-h400/8CE5C67B-B2A6-41FF-8FB0-0D8EDEB58FF1.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">My first-ever Clematis was doing really well. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1KrBaHD9cviuiuJ_if-NrBGNZNKGl2EKkZcYnyihUm6SQ_HhS0FvDtayrT0NYVsGkg3Eqm_wGcouyPmr7wvud7mrdExWRNvK3qKJ9SaEyiYCg9zf2OjH5uYwiNKbcv0yAqTTDxKvthqE/s3752/IMG_1126.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3752" data-original-width="2706" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1KrBaHD9cviuiuJ_if-NrBGNZNKGl2EKkZcYnyihUm6SQ_HhS0FvDtayrT0NYVsGkg3Eqm_wGcouyPmr7wvud7mrdExWRNvK3qKJ9SaEyiYCg9zf2OjH5uYwiNKbcv0yAqTTDxKvthqE/w289-h400/IMG_1126.HEIC" width="289" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgndYlHLLy5HFABx8hgg17RlyWUCVgGKLwJmnr1ZPux5jK9ltZv44VBPV7h7CoJ_kUJCcbAHkWrJHgHHWtwfIxyy1cbrJ9SXl0YJ3InU73jTxx9BOzoEZ1SORyVAo8JrpSzaumbGbrAJF/s3712/IMG_1136.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="2784" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgndYlHLLy5HFABx8hgg17RlyWUCVgGKLwJmnr1ZPux5jK9ltZv44VBPV7h7CoJ_kUJCcbAHkWrJHgHHWtwfIxyy1cbrJ9SXl0YJ3InU73jTxx9BOzoEZ1SORyVAo8JrpSzaumbGbrAJF/w300-h400/IMG_1136.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6Ln-8sGYWIzo_DIp9m4iaeFGEwE1UQwrvWamc2aey2sTpJn_epDuDQ8IdNxmQVG62jNTHcW8GMJ816c-pa2LR5Ge_osESXeL87hnKz3uJ5S6i5ORkNl6E0VfoSzdsmjZBfYYagX6cO9D/s3840/IMG_1146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2751" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6Ln-8sGYWIzo_DIp9m4iaeFGEwE1UQwrvWamc2aey2sTpJn_epDuDQ8IdNxmQVG62jNTHcW8GMJ816c-pa2LR5Ge_osESXeL87hnKz3uJ5S6i5ORkNl6E0VfoSzdsmjZBfYYagX6cO9D/w286-h400/IMG_1146.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpgSwODZW4A9t05x6wNoE8YGpFUCDWVy7aWm48DV0uTo_ikPcKhdrivx7PdJWmAEmrfkNu77IgJuwtn0G4snz4cL5m6YWb4AyMRHVaPo__Ch47PRWZ9enAlHbjezDBhZP5yvSki92aMO6/s4032/IMG_1147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpgSwODZW4A9t05x6wNoE8YGpFUCDWVy7aWm48DV0uTo_ikPcKhdrivx7PdJWmAEmrfkNu77IgJuwtn0G4snz4cL5m6YWb4AyMRHVaPo__Ch47PRWZ9enAlHbjezDBhZP5yvSki92aMO6/w300-h400/IMG_1147.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zmMnY1hTtA8QOSY00wZZdPxGuai8phbNS7tn5mrA28MEOKW2LFY745qR0h7gLCGVB0JsAaDKKDyt7rfwtOd2WiEAXPdK_9zN6ioFslw4jbuFM37IdCJ0jGNuPwb3sjlzcnwzllSuSuDS/s4014/IMG_1144.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4014" data-original-width="3010" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zmMnY1hTtA8QOSY00wZZdPxGuai8phbNS7tn5mrA28MEOKW2LFY745qR0h7gLCGVB0JsAaDKKDyt7rfwtOd2WiEAXPdK_9zN6ioFslw4jbuFM37IdCJ0jGNuPwb3sjlzcnwzllSuSuDS/w300-h400/IMG_1144.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Some spider entertainment during my never-ending Zoom meetings. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd4-7qrkkyYKX-PY4RoeEd3BSaN0Fei7Xdk4airocEHYbnR2Oe_U8Y3-WM0_6DkSrDApu_2m4NaHJQBBcT49ejAR5xkOgRJwLof733svtLgEnVq509plXc8UuyFgCcYVqmeU6L8JtUX7S/s4027/IMG_1168.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4027" data-original-width="2605" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd4-7qrkkyYKX-PY4RoeEd3BSaN0Fei7Xdk4airocEHYbnR2Oe_U8Y3-WM0_6DkSrDApu_2m4NaHJQBBcT49ejAR5xkOgRJwLof733svtLgEnVq509plXc8UuyFgCcYVqmeU6L8JtUX7S/w259-h400/IMG_1168.HEIC" width="259" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;">If you are still with me after such a long and picture-heavy post, I will share an exciting news with you. We bought a new house last year! Well, a piece of land for now to build our dream home. The pandemic delayed everything but we should be back on track soon. You can follow me on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/amdolcevita/hilltop-house/">Pinterest</a> to see the design direction I am taking this house. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uJl_IGYUGx3hCYz6obNs5LskxlQ80F-2rSYVEc0FjWFC4qGbwLpl8CTInZY9ILjwOLJ2DKDgfooB-inbhdZGI86dg84No4_ptTJrvdNbFJkBtPfQvKwWPyUXpH8XJu0OG5b2hp1ZF7Pf/s4096/Facetune_27-09-2020-16-31-06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="4096" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uJl_IGYUGx3hCYz6obNs5LskxlQ80F-2rSYVEc0FjWFC4qGbwLpl8CTInZY9ILjwOLJ2DKDgfooB-inbhdZGI86dg84No4_ptTJrvdNbFJkBtPfQvKwWPyUXpH8XJu0OG5b2hp1ZF7Pf/w640-h210/Facetune_27-09-2020-16-31-06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-40031606736440765502020-10-27T17:19:00.008-04:002020-10-27T19:44:36.095-04:00How to Create the Ultimate Home Office<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span>~ This is a featured post. ~</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Assistant;">There are invaluable benefits that come with working
from home. Being in your safe haven and having more freedom and flexibility can
help boost productivity and efficiency levels. However, to keep you focused,
you must be in an environment that promotes work.</span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">If you have been ordered to work from home due to
COVID-19, finding a quiet area in your property and transforming it into a home
office should be your first step. To get started, here is a guide on how to
create the perfect home office.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Assistant; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Assistant; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg71sgo9THPI-DTRyzvcKJflzt398jkquKAIB8SQ7EXUC7zSWyVDSmHJR9qDlayoYymBq4OvJlD4eMYlESxZ_CGVc9vWvVHMfWJZvGLxp7ImxePmpQEOtDH1NuAP1usdfpPabFmKXOeNa5/s3418/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3418" data-original-width="2273" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg71sgo9THPI-DTRyzvcKJflzt398jkquKAIB8SQ7EXUC7zSWyVDSmHJR9qDlayoYymBq4OvJlD4eMYlESxZ_CGVc9vWvVHMfWJZvGLxp7ImxePmpQEOtDH1NuAP1usdfpPabFmKXOeNa5/w266-h400/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack8.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Assistant; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Purchase the Right Equipment and Furniture</b></span><p></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">No matter
what kind of job you have, you must have the right equipment and furniture at
your disposal. From laptops to tablets, office chairs to desks, kitting out
your office with the right tools will set you up for success. There are </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://theofs.com/services/delivery-and-installation/"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">office furniture delivery and
installation</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">
companies that can help you design an efficient workstation.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>Embrace Natural Light</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Many people
make the mistake of pushing their desks right up against the wall in the
darkest spot of the room. Instead, you should place your desk near to your
window which means you can take advantage of all the natural light seeping in.
Research has shown that </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-light-benefits"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">natural light</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> encourages workers to be more
productive, healthier, and happier. In addition to natural light, you must
purchase lamps that you can use during the darker hours of the working day.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>Create Plenty of Storage</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">To boost
productivity in your home office, the last thing you want is to work in a space
full of clutter. If your home office is filled with mountains of paperwork, you
may struggle to stay focused on projects and tasks. Whether you have a spacious
office or have limitations, getting creative with storage will help you get the
most out of your room. Display shelves, wall storage, and bookcases are all
good suggestions that can be used to house your office materials.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Assistant; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Assistant; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwllSzuAz6hAPK5KRVhyaXRp6ojZ8mygUN2mluDu-m1LDdGulQ9JH7xQuLO5gBj4r676UCoa8Da9_YT1niyYMhQvMvI6771VLNS8NLl9X8GK55evGvJoFVfUz2zzfgAQPSENawQtkwQRFx/s3456/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Loft+Oct+2019-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwllSzuAz6hAPK5KRVhyaXRp6ojZ8mygUN2mluDu-m1LDdGulQ9JH7xQuLO5gBj4r676UCoa8Da9_YT1niyYMhQvMvI6771VLNS8NLl9X8GK55evGvJoFVfUz2zzfgAQPSENawQtkwQRFx/w400-h266/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Loft+Oct+2019-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Assistant; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>Add Greenery</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Working
long hours in your home office can take its toll on your health and wellbeing.
So, to improve concentration, reduce stress levels, and help you think more
positively, you should consider adding greenery. Indoor plants will not only
enhance the look of your home office, they can keep you focused on your
workload. </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-houseplants"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">House plants</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> also help clean indoor air by creating
oxygen and absorbing toxins.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b>Remove Distractions</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">From the
moment you sit down in your office chair, you need to be focused on your work.
There are many distractions that can take your eye off the ball and reduce
productivity. Make sure that your smartphone is placed out of sight and out of
mind. It’s advised not to install a television in your home office as you may
find yourself watching your favorite shows and movies instead of doing your
work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Your home
office should be the one area in your home where you can zone out from
distractions and put your full concentration into your work. To achieve this,
following all the tips above can help you get the most out of your space.</span></span></p><p></p>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-50087217345168748662020-10-27T17:09:00.010-04:002020-10-27T19:45:06.482-04:007 Ways to Make the Most of Your Outside Space<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">~ This is a featured post.~</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Spending time
outside in the fresh air and sunshine is good for our physical health and
mental wellbeing. If you are lucky enough to have outside space at home, it
makes sense to make the most of it. With the right approach to design, you can
create a space where you can relax, entertain, and put your stamp on. No matter
where you live or the type of outside space available to you, there are plenty
of creative ways to turn it from dead space to living space. Whether you have a
little or a lot, this article features seven ways you can make the most of it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxpG37VogXiVhofuEGe18IXm0K1OJGfosl1mKC_ffRPJZryV6Nyikh4xJP2d1fHZDWO_vFa2oaMTX1xftZpf8pYigTeFfHDlGf03rnykJtO0MfFh-GtOR3O2KiDOaXmrQW3FnmywsvEq_/s3632/IMG_1136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3632" data-original-width="2724" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxpG37VogXiVhofuEGe18IXm0K1OJGfosl1mKC_ffRPJZryV6Nyikh4xJP2d1fHZDWO_vFa2oaMTX1xftZpf8pYigTeFfHDlGf03rnykJtO0MfFh-GtOR3O2KiDOaXmrQW3FnmywsvEq_/w300-h400/IMG_1136.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -24px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Assistant; line-height: 19.9733px;">1. Build a garden room</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Lots of people
are finding the easiest way to create usable space in their garden is to
transform it into a room of its own. By adding fencing or building brick walls,
lighting, heaters, and a covered area with comfortable seating, you will create
a whole new room for yourself with the added benefit of fresh air and sunshine.
Add your own finishing touches with paint, flowers, and accessories.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Install decking</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">Installing
decking is a simple yet effective way to turn a rough or untidy garden into a
smart space for relaxation and entertaining guests. </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://outdoorlivinginc.com/decks/">Experienced
deck builders</a></span><span lang="EN-US">
will be able to assess your outside space and how you plan to use the decking,
recommending the right materials and design to suit your requirements and your
budget.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfqKkwz65Ic5526i9LOzXW9lshxJvFoQJoPEKWmXmwOiRAy0C0WKOXchHnNaLXtJbyYC0qbLK4mn5F494pdYbGzmEXzOxX2L1id3t_PElUiYeU133qwlwRjgP9sUmEVdXQin0aP2REToY/s3404/AM+Dolce+Vita+Cottage+Porch+July+2019-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2271" data-original-width="3404" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfqKkwz65Ic5526i9LOzXW9lshxJvFoQJoPEKWmXmwOiRAy0C0WKOXchHnNaLXtJbyYC0qbLK4mn5F494pdYbGzmEXzOxX2L1id3t_PElUiYeU133qwlwRjgP9sUmEVdXQin0aP2REToY/w400-h266/AM+Dolce+Vita+Cottage+Porch+July+2019-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Lay artificial grass</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">If your garden
is lacking in grass, is heavily shaded, or you are not keen on the idea of
maintaining real grass, artificial grass could be the ideal solution. It
appears to be bright and full of life, but it does not require maintenance.
Artificial grass provides an even and tidy look with all the vibrancy of a real
lawn.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Create privacy with vertical plants</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">People who live
in properties that are overlooked by neighbors can increase the amount of
privacy they have by planting </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://getbusygardening.com/trellis-plants/">fast-growing vertical plants</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> and living walls. This is also a great solution for
people with small gardens as you can still enjoy plants and flowers without
taking up valuable ground space.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Break the space up into zones</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">A clever design
technique that can create the illusion of more space and give your garden more
versatility is to divide the area into zones. With trellis, fencing, plants, a
water feature, decking, and a seating area, you can </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://myhubbardhome.com/creating-garden-zones/">create multiple zones</a></span><span lang="EN-US">, each of which can be used for different purposes. Be
careful, however, not to crowd the space with too many zones, a lot of
furniture, or accessories.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Be clever with mirrors</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Assistant;">Just as with
interior design, placing mirrors in the right way, e.g., on walls or fencing,
can give the illusion of more space. You may be able to make a garden appear
and feel wider or longer.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: Assistant; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="font-family: Assistant; text-indent: -18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Plant a garden on your windowsill</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Assistant;"><span lang="EN-US">Homes without
outside space are at a disadvantage, but it is still possible to bring the
natural world indoors. All you need is a windowsill where you can place some
pots and/or a window box, and you can plant flowers, herbs, and small fruits. </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://morningchores.com/window-box-garden/">Click here for more</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> on creating an edible window box.</span></span></p></div>Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-60269849729970041212020-07-10T18:11:00.002-04:002020-07-10T18:12:31.470-04:003 Ways to Add Storage to Your Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">~ This is a featured post.~</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi_KNsv4u6b85au2pi_vyKfg-kpdXat6aBdZhkEzWyi0d2sceFXL2K7pkV_JP5lGfTK3ZiQJ3fAkX0MdosiF-uLpVUDGvNK1VV-Fyv2gYw2ihF3oEe4QOM6Nq850UYKecnTeosmSiKKKs/s1600/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi_KNsv4u6b85au2pi_vyKfg-kpdXat6aBdZhkEzWyi0d2sceFXL2K7pkV_JP5lGfTK3ZiQJ3fAkX0MdosiF-uLpVUDGvNK1VV-Fyv2gYw2ihF3oEe4QOM6Nq850UYKecnTeosmSiKKKs/s400/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack8.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We all want more storage for the home. It is probably
one of the most important things for a person to have. You want to be able to
keep all of the possessions that you have acquired over your travels, so you
need to make sure that you have successfully managed to create this space. Not
sure how? Take a look below:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Consider a
portable garage</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">The portable garage is one of the first and easiest
ways for you to create more space that can be adjusted as needed. These are
storage facilities that can be assembled and disassembled as necessary, so you
have absolute control over what happens. It is quite easy to put together, and
will definitely help - even a </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.portablegaragedepot.com/"><span lang="EN-US">10 x 20 portable garage</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US">
is a game-changer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The portable garage could safely store your vehicle in
it if you needed it to, so the more sensitive items - those belongings that
would suffer from the weather - could be stored in a secure, dry location like
your actual garage.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Create
multi-functional rooms</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, if you are going to increase the amount of storage
space that you have in your home, it might be a good idea to make your rooms
multi-functional.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydPyoVO3qzYZ4dfpqg9vF4mtQbJFV6RIjMZVZgQ3kXPUBx21IGnXVEWhyqJ9IA8yxJDtWRsV0e6KBOb7ttsX4j9Ye-dgDcZO7a_3yyq4D0-EN5BucmeEksOC7swo4LK-94u2LvI-Uu4wJ/s1600/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydPyoVO3qzYZ4dfpqg9vF4mtQbJFV6RIjMZVZgQ3kXPUBx21IGnXVEWhyqJ9IA8yxJDtWRsV0e6KBOb7ttsX4j9Ye-dgDcZO7a_3yyq4D0-EN5BucmeEksOC7swo4LK-94u2LvI-Uu4wJ/s400/Ikea+Svalnas+Shelving+Unit+Office+Hack5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">It’s all about </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-diy-ways-to-divide-small-spaces-202566"><span lang="EN-US">combining
rooms</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"> that have a similar purpose but are different
enough to warrant their own space. So, for example, you could combine the
living room with the dining room to create one area where you relax and unwind,
but at the same time, sit down as a family and eat. It’s not the easiest of
things to do, but it is something that you can do if you’re sensible about the
amount of room that you actually need.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Repurpose</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.realhomes.com/design/spare-bedroom-ideas"><span lang="EN-US">Repurposing</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US">
is one of your best bets for maximizing the amount of storage that you had. All
the corridors and landings that you have are walled off by two solid walls. So
long as you don’t disrupt the structural integrity of the walls, you can
convert them partially into cabinets and shelves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Drilling slightly back into the wall and removing
parts of it without compromising means that you can effectively create a lot of
storage for things. It gives you a lot more in the way of space and adds a lot
of character to your corridors and walls. It’s a good pick for interior decor! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There is a lot that you can do to make sure that you
are maximizing space in your home. It’s easy to make sure that you are getting
a lot of space when you are sensible about the kinds of compromises that you
make and the way that you operate. You’ve got plenty of choices for how best to
increase the amount of storage in your home, so to be honest, why wouldn’t you?
It’s just a question of taking a look at all of the options and finding the one
which works best for you for your needs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-64459899017615437192020-07-10T18:06:00.002-04:002020-07-10T18:07:28.213-04:00Home Renovations that are Worth the Investment <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">~ This is a featured post. ~</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Home improvement projects are a great
opportunity to add character and create a better living space, but they could
also raise the value of your home too. Even if you have no intentions to sell
your property in the foreseeable future, it’s always worth thinking about
making your home a piece of prime real estate in case you do decide to sell
several years down the line. However, not all home improvement projects will
provide a return on investment. Here are some of the best projects to choose if
increasing the value of your home is one of your goals:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>The Roof</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">An essential part of your home’s structure,
the roof is an area that should always be paid close attention to. Not only
does a damaged roof lead to higher bills (loss of heat) but it could also
spread causing further damage to the rest of your house due to damp and leaks.
If your roof is looking worn out or you have noticed some signs of damage, call
<a href="https://www.jsandroofing.com/">roofing contractors</a> immediately to
inspect it. Although work on your roof can be costly, it’s a vital investment.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Converting the Attic or Basement</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you live in a property that has both of
these spaces, <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/bfry2109/attic-conversions/">converting
one</a> into an extra room could be a good idea. Originally designed as storage
rooms, it’s good to keep at least one of these areas for this purpose, as
adequate storage is desirable in a home. However, if you don’t need to use them
both for this, converting one into another bedroom, games room, study or den
would help to add value to your home. Having an additional bedroom would make
your home appeal to larger families, and if you choose to convert to one of the
other suggestions, it appeals to those looking for a little more luxury or a
home office area.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">E</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">xtensions</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you have the space to extend your
property this could be yet another wise investment. Like the point above,
adding extra rooms onto the house makes it more appealing to larger families
looking to buy. You might not be extending the property to add another room,
but instead creating a larger one. If you have a small kitchen, living room, or
bathroom, these are all good candidates for extending as they serve more
practical purposes in the home.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>The Kitchen</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Whether it’s an extension or just
remodeling, the kitchen is always worth investing in. One of the most important
rooms in the house, having a well-designed and well-equipped kitchen is what
many buyers look for when inspecting properties. Installing a good-sized stove
and oven will be ideal for families or those who are keen cooks, and adequate
storage or a built-in pantry will look fabulous as well as being practical. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKgJKAs1QlkOt14041l3sHHnrn1Q37wlVMHN8mWZIn0HshbgSaxBlO-mWoHTPaV58qktMZfHcGWXuD1brxEFq2szmn-SiHusCGIft_HcPjbCW75sEc4GgJocItxZsJQ7p9UxdeUcOO90O/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+Cottage+Kitchen+KitchenAid+Slide-in+Range+White8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKgJKAs1QlkOt14041l3sHHnrn1Q37wlVMHN8mWZIn0HshbgSaxBlO-mWoHTPaV58qktMZfHcGWXuD1brxEFq2szmn-SiHusCGIft_HcPjbCW75sEc4GgJocItxZsJQ7p9UxdeUcOO90O/s400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Cottage+Kitchen+KitchenAid+Slide-in+Range+White8.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>The Garden</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don’t underestimate the power of your
garden. Having a beautiful outdoor space is very appealing to those looking to
buy a home. It doesn’t have to be big, but taking care to make sure it looks
nice with a good patio, plant pots and character will win many people over. If
you can, hire a <a href="https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/g2456/landscaping-ideas/">landscape
gardener</a> for a truly incredible transformation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you want to add value to your home,
choose your renovation projects wisely. Select one of the areas above.</span></span></div>
</div>
Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-80601510024372436322020-06-12T15:37:00.002-04:002023-11-21T10:05:53.457-05:00Tips for the Most Overlooked Aspect of Home Renovation: The Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;">~ This is a featured post. ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">When
renovating a home, you will be looking to make an old home fresh, safe and a
delight to live in. When the weather is nice, an important aspect of enjoying a
home is enjoying its garden. Although major changes to a home are significant,
overlooking a garden is a mistake made by too many. What’s more, renovating a
garden is far simpler than renovating a home. Here are some tips.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHda3LImFPPoKDBcFVS_VNYsLGEVdKgXuMliX8OiCEmx7_hXc8kdpv05Dogn6kalYedxVmAtrm5zUhT2Ky9otfG-JvFLYAR0q30A7CqKsG2kLWExOcAAbFsMeHsl0MmWHrBqKauMLeB51N/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+Limelight+Hydrangea+White+Full+Bloom+Aug+13%252C+2018-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1029" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHda3LImFPPoKDBcFVS_VNYsLGEVdKgXuMliX8OiCEmx7_hXc8kdpv05Dogn6kalYedxVmAtrm5zUhT2Ky9otfG-JvFLYAR0q30A7CqKsG2kLWExOcAAbFsMeHsl0MmWHrBqKauMLeB51N/s400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Limelight+Hydrangea+White+Full+Bloom+Aug+13%252C+2018-2.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Know your soils, plant the right flowers</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">A
garden renovation doesn’t need to involve landscaping. Often it just means
changing the flowers, removing dead or cumbersome plants, and creating a space
that you enjoy. Before you plant any new plants, it’s worth making sure that
you have a good awareness on how different plants perform in your climate and
in different conditions: e.g. direct sun, partial sun, shaded areas, acidic
soils, etc. It is worth sending in a sample of your soil for testing or </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.thespruce.com/easy-diy-soil-tests-2539856">getting a DIY kit</a></span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">, as this can inform you
which fertilizers you might need if your soil has any deficiencies, as well as
whether to put acidic or alkaline compounds in your soil to balance the Ph.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Perform a Health Check<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">If
you have big plants like trees in your garden, you might want to perform a
health check to make sure they don’t need to be taken down and are living
healthily. There are many steps to inspecting the health of a tree, but you
should inspect </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/central-leader-pruning-fruit-trees">the central leader</a></span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"> for splits, which can
create a wound that might allow insect infestations.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><span lang="EN-GB">Look
for broken or dead branches that you need to prune and for mosses and disease. Spanish
moss can be a problem in warmer climates, as it can cling to branches and weigh
down your tree in a way that can cause permanent damage. Know the signs of
Spanish moss, and if you spot any dangerous growths, you should go for a </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://mcculloughtreeservice.com/tree-demossing/ ">Spanish moss removal service</a></span><span lang="EN-GB"> as soon as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Balance the heights of your plants<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">You
should have a carefully planned plant height spectrum, with taller plants at
the back and small delicate flowers at the front. If you have an island flower
bed, you should avoid mixing tall and short, instead putting taller plants in
the center for obvious reasons — plants are meant to be seen after all!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Know your seasons<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">A
truly great garden should look good in all seasons, which is why you should
have a mixture of </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.gardenia.net/guide/which-bulbs-for-which-seasons">different seasonal plants</a></span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"> to make sure that your
garden has a beautiful variety of colours throughout the year. Many people
theme their seasons, for example planting only white spring-bloomers so that
the garden is hit with a wave of snow-white petals to complement spring
blossom.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">The Perennial Problem<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">If
you are renovating a perennial garden, you will probably need to remove some existing
plants to simplify your beds. If you need to remove perennials, be sure to
double check when would be the right time to remove them as some plants prefer
a particular season for removal, which you should consider if you are doing any
transplantation. </span></div>
</div>
Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-86784655290433073342020-05-19T14:01:00.004-04:002023-11-21T10:05:15.475-05:00Preparing Your House for Sale <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;">~ This is a featured post.~</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhVGEMe_iIXtg2z8m9UatkNOqtmGmi1S7DmChubhZ0jJM2HETU1x8RN9B0IAaH7pD8760Hf5A1cYtk7Kbvq-vqu5-_cTuljzxt-Lj60lDt_YVWFsxBRrzmBYbhnku6Jke-DTG0glk83eM/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Oct+2019-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhVGEMe_iIXtg2z8m9UatkNOqtmGmi1S7DmChubhZ0jJM2HETU1x8RN9B0IAaH7pD8760Hf5A1cYtk7Kbvq-vqu5-_cTuljzxt-Lj60lDt_YVWFsxBRrzmBYbhnku6Jke-DTG0glk83eM/s400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Living+Room+Oct+2019-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadx8ThCFWpJvN2KVkEUOR3Irn0_d_n-Gii3Irs145sH-x1J0bwPMZivzzzr0jKHoPfGCcvakFaBYXdYmAl_QRFi4PJQyMnkZyZmb-b64uwct48QDos1ObMxpKKSD8SahSzTUPU2CCSzwj/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Kitchen+Oct+2019-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"></span></a></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Are you a homeowner
planning to move somewhere new? If so, you will be getting ready to prepare
your current property for sale. Depending on the condition of your property,
there could be a lot to do in terms of preparation for a move. Not only do you
have to think about packing up your belongings and sending them to your new
house but you will need to carefully consider how to best present your home to
potential buyers. Here are some things you need to pay close attention to when
preparing to sell your property.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Maintenance</b></span><br />
<div class="Body" style="line-height: normal;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span lang="EN-US">There are many things
you can do to add value to a property but some of these home improvement
projects probably aren’t worth the expense if you’re planning to leave in a few
months. Instead, consider smaller maintenance projects around the house that
need to be done. For example, a new coat of paint on the walls, or fixing a
hole in the roof. If you have a swimming pool in your current home, consider
looking into </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://classicmarcite.com/residential-pool-resurfacing/ "><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">residential pool remodeling</span></a></span></span><span lang="EN-US">, especially if it’s looking worn out and needs sprucing up.</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>De-Clutter</b></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: normal;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span lang="EN-US">You will want to do
this to make your move easier anyway, but the </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://casedesign.com/inspiration/25-steps-on-how-to-remove-clutter/"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">decluttering
process</span></a></span></span><span lang="EN-US"> can also
benefit your chance of makin</span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">g a sale. Although you won’t be able to remove the
home of all of your belongings (you’re still living there, after all) it could
help the place look more spacious by getting rid of most of the unnecessary
items. Furthermore, it is easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves
living somewhere if there are fewer reminders that the property currently
belongs to someone else.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Garden</b></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: normal;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span lang="EN-US">If your house has a
garden area you should make sure that it is presentable. If your outdoor space
is overgrown or is filled with junk like abandoned gardening tools, kid’s toys,
etc., it looks far less appealing and like a lot of work. Although buyers might
have their plans in mind for how they want the garden to look, it’s a lot more
alluring if the outdoor area already looks ready to sit out in and enjoy the
sunshine. Plus, it helps to make the rest of the property look well cared for.
You can keep things simple by keeping the grass cut and flower beds looking
pretty, or get more creative and choose an </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.realhomes.com/design/small-garden-ideas"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">interesting garden design</span></a></span></span><span lang="EN-US"> to wow those who view your property.</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Professional Cleaners</b></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Your house must be
clean and tidy whenever interested buyers come to view the property. It should
feel like a show home to help enhance the sense of space and to allow them to
imagine themselves living there, not your family. You can do the cleaning
yourself, or you can hire a professional cleaning service to take care of this
task for you. The latter might be ideal if you’re busy preparing to move house
or have a busy schedule. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">Selling a property
can be a challenge with an ever-changing market and a lot of other homes on
offer. Give yourself the best chance of making a sale by considering the points
above. </span></div>
Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-15024174962918340202020-03-11T10:19:00.001-04:002020-03-11T10:20:25.468-04:00Five Steps to Successfully Downsizing Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">~ This is a featured post.~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We
spend our whole lives collecting “stuff,” moving into bigger houses that
accommodate yet more “stuff,” until eventually we reach the point where we want
to downsize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, we become
all too aware of the crazy amount of stuff we have, and we realize a whole lot
of it’s got to go if we’re to squeeze everything into a smaller home. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It
might seem like a daunting task getting rid of the items you’ve spent decades
collecting, but it’s an exercise that will free up lots of space and allow you
to </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima;"><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/in-practice/201802/6-benefits-uncluttered-space">focus on the items that
are most important to you.</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLZL1wv_42lBWjOgFRIQYeU7ZicVuV-zM55_zGF5FysLnFYgDl6gCT0Sd2FScrP_pUPx_In13SQrQpS_Bpd0vf7R8XxJYmo59KTCPCplet-wdCdiP1XcSmqVZI9CF_iHjOgKXSJIWypIu/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Kitchen+Oct+2019-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLZL1wv_42lBWjOgFRIQYeU7ZicVuV-zM55_zGF5FysLnFYgDl6gCT0Sd2FScrP_pUPx_In13SQrQpS_Bpd0vf7R8XxJYmo59KTCPCplet-wdCdiP1XcSmqVZI9CF_iHjOgKXSJIWypIu/s400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Scandinavian+Cottage+Kitchen+Oct+2019-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Start Early</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It’s
never too early to start getting rid of unwanted stuff. Even if it’s just
starting with that one closet you’ve been meaning to clear out for years, it
makes a difference and is a good starting point. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If
you’re not throwing things out, then your collection of items is only going to
grow, meaning when you do come to downsize, there’s only more work to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Plan Out the Space You’re Moving
Into</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once
you know where you will be moving to, it’s helpful to plan out where everything
will go so that you can understand how much space you’ve got. You won’t know
the true scale of the job ahead until you know this, so save difficult
decisions on what stays and what goes until you have a plan. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You
can still crack on with getting rid of unwanted items you know you have no need
for, but until you know exactly how much space you have, it’s best to wait before
getting rid of higher end items. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Be Decisive</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It’s
easy to get attached to the stuff you accumulate over the years, but when you
have limited space, you need to be decisive. If you haven’t used something in
the past year, then what are the chances you’re going to use it in the future?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If
you’re struggling to decide on whether you need to take an item with you, the
answer, more often than not, is that you don’t. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 107%;">There’s Only One Place for Some
Items (The Trash)</span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">There’s
a lot of stuff we collect over time that has absolutely no purpose anymore and
needs to be trashed. Find your </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.dumpstermaxx.com/omaha-dumpster-rentals/"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima;">Dumpster Rental Omaha NE</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and get rid of the stuff that has
no</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> value.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You’ll
be surprised at just how much stuff you have lying around that just needs
getting rid of. This will make a huge difference and help declutter your place.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Find New Homes for Your Belongings</span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-top: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You
may no longer have any need for some of your belongings, but there are plenty
of other people out there that can make use of them. Invite your family and
friends over to see if there’s anything they want to take and find a local </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.salvationarmy.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima;">charity shop</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> to
take the rest.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Ebrima; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Donating
items to charity shops is a great way to get rid of unwanted belongings while
also ensuring others benefit from them.</span></span></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-45281713286479394422020-01-01T19:57:00.002-05:002020-01-01T19:59:31.892-05:002019 Holiday Home Tour: Burgundy and White<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well, you must have been wondering why I didn't post my 2019 holiday home tour, or you were so disappointed that you unfollowed me and moved on. Either way, here I am, better late than never, to post about my 2019 holiday decor. 2019 was an unexceptionally busy year at work, life, travel, among other things. As we age, each year becomes a smaller percentage of our life, and that's probably why it felt like a year flying by in the blink of an eye. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the 2019 holiday decor, I chose a burgundy and white theme. This was the first time ever for me to decorate with *reds* so I opted for a more muted and less vibrant burgundy shape. I was nervous because neither my home nor cottage has any red accents, but I have to say, I LOVE IT! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was our 9-foot Fraser Fir - we put it up in our foyer this year. It was too big and would look too out of place in our living room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkST1nldlRWymjvs5E2uojXr-ah4Hyjz9yfV67D13TYnwiQrjDgvmUxoATFt2zeaKjGd66R7klpKSJA8U6BGH_SvT0NF9cjORO8a6tUpCjVqWkDC0ZWVclmr5nqtCeaKN-EgGlro2IWlxW/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+2019+Red+Burgundy+White+Spruce+Christmas+Tree+Crate+Barrel+Abaca+Rattan+Tree+Collar3_Original.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1062" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkST1nldlRWymjvs5E2uojXr-ah4Hyjz9yfV67D13TYnwiQrjDgvmUxoATFt2zeaKjGd66R7klpKSJA8U6BGH_SvT0NF9cjORO8a6tUpCjVqWkDC0ZWVclmr5nqtCeaKN-EgGlro2IWlxW/s400/AM+Dolce+Vita+2019+Red+Burgundy+White+Spruce+Christmas+Tree+Crate+Barrel+Abaca+Rattan+Tree+Collar3_Original.JPG" width="265" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I learned I could actually keep the Norfolk Island Pine as a houseplant, so double cheers to that! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIgzm4ULSl3BG0mfJ4y4rKEkMuNSR6VT7RRB-JkpadsMkM8cu3uZfvJyTx3W2WhqFhgQKHf-8QFScJjaZnuCG0aBZuUOqYmg4PYz7ATqXyXelvTMueo_uq_LJ5E5x0TMLUtDq-TALxB7A/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+Norfolk+Pine+Indoor+Tree2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIgzm4ULSl3BG0mfJ4y4rKEkMuNSR6VT7RRB-JkpadsMkM8cu3uZfvJyTx3W2WhqFhgQKHf-8QFScJjaZnuCG0aBZuUOqYmg4PYz7ATqXyXelvTMueo_uq_LJ5E5x0TMLUtDq-TALxB7A/s400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Norfolk+Pine+Indoor+Tree2.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We moved the giant Zizi plant which used to be in the foyer to our second floor hallway for the time being. Otherwise there would be too much greenery in one room. Oh, and this vintage Royal Baluch wool runner rug was from eCarpetgallery. It has all the muted brown, caramel, tan and navy tones, so soft and doesn't shed. Such a gem! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKY3OkpLNcQh0OCjjUmNT_myOpWP6M5WKA2iGhjzSp0P0re11emwZI3bmWFkSmOIgFJTwP98pWm6xMf4dLFErL5KiTxF1bIzSwdW0I9T6TYygQnYmE4_ZHYb0UF8sYQ1r2kRttG2JSDp4/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+Long+Hallway+Afghan+Royal+Baluch+Runner+Rug1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKY3OkpLNcQh0OCjjUmNT_myOpWP6M5WKA2iGhjzSp0P0re11emwZI3bmWFkSmOIgFJTwP98pWm6xMf4dLFErL5KiTxF1bIzSwdW0I9T6TYygQnYmE4_ZHYb0UF8sYQ1r2kRttG2JSDp4/s400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Long+Hallway+Afghan+Royal+Baluch+Runner+Rug1.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was from our dinning room overlooking the foyer. <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kX2aDV7j42fZPvPP3RuJC9b7AmpZAxjhc8Bd_q277sGk9Ck01dIoFlAAtO1Chh9557bwDLUHdiLIbdOsesgIXj4351ZgCbLrvuYXc-oq14bYpdKcMnCMn9be8Gl-OMmGtqNFSff59L4M/s1600/D8F790B8-DB7E-4743-BB84-AE98656FFE60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1418" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kX2aDV7j42fZPvPP3RuJC9b7AmpZAxjhc8Bd_q277sGk9Ck01dIoFlAAtO1Chh9557bwDLUHdiLIbdOsesgIXj4351ZgCbLrvuYXc-oq14bYpdKcMnCMn9be8Gl-OMmGtqNFSff59L4M/s400/D8F790B8-DB7E-4743-BB84-AE98656FFE60.jpg" width="353" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhi0zXP21ny-0Toh9hlolIqUoTdwxjcMGNsvEP0fUf8GKGc4cLxJkEmOdPTckIZdDGqv3xyY1ZhZRiz8pERPjDgYef-1zA8aDs8h2ZXm71Jdstb0rZQZROdTuyWaDP6faP5y7lfC4IazP/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+2019+Red+Burgundy+White+Spruce+Christmas+Tree+Crate+Barrel+Abaca+Rattan+Tree+Collar10_Original.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhi0zXP21ny-0Toh9hlolIqUoTdwxjcMGNsvEP0fUf8GKGc4cLxJkEmOdPTckIZdDGqv3xyY1ZhZRiz8pERPjDgYef-1zA8aDs8h2ZXm71Jdstb0rZQZROdTuyWaDP6faP5y7lfC4IazP/s400/AM+Dolce+Vita+2019+Red+Burgundy+White+Spruce+Christmas+Tree+Crate+Barrel+Abaca+Rattan+Tree+Collar10_Original.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Those onion baubles were from HM Home, red glass house ornaments were from Glucksteinhome via Hudson's Bay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XhYvzyEPoNB3dTAY70mqFwjsEB0Q18sTf4Nk1n3HeLktkKcokzyHstSkyvvVa74jAlA3a7hG_VhUHU4xG6E4CZhOvnmiKITnfDpGnNZSqxSkkAJrybmW2F_nhBh_hF7GjdV8usihgstI/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+2019+Red+Burgundy+White+Spruce+Christmas+Tree+Crate+Barrel+Abaca+Rattan+Tree+Collar11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XhYvzyEPoNB3dTAY70mqFwjsEB0Q18sTf4Nk1n3HeLktkKcokzyHstSkyvvVa74jAlA3a7hG_VhUHU4xG6E4CZhOvnmiKITnfDpGnNZSqxSkkAJrybmW2F_nhBh_hF7GjdV8usihgstI/s400/AM+Dolce+Vita+2019+Red+Burgundy+White+Spruce+Christmas+Tree+Crate+Barrel+Abaca+Rattan+Tree+Collar11.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Love all the warm glow from the tree! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48oKfVrWfmN39HDxEq8oe1goqCM7AeW0P79GH2a97tMBICBnEoFocASnSjM0px3Pg1basEC05r3LOvq1siaXJxAkBSbz0siX5VY3rvlwJ860Pasi451L0IegjXbxNGjm4F0UEJerN3PU7/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+2019+Red+Burgundy+White+Spruce+Christmas+Tree+Crate+Barrel+Abaca+Rattan+Tree+Collar5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1085" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48oKfVrWfmN39HDxEq8oe1goqCM7AeW0P79GH2a97tMBICBnEoFocASnSjM0px3Pg1basEC05r3LOvq1siaXJxAkBSbz0siX5VY3rvlwJ860Pasi451L0IegjXbxNGjm4F0UEJerN3PU7/s400/AM+Dolce+Vita+2019+Red+Burgundy+White+Spruce+Christmas+Tree+Crate+Barrel+Abaca+Rattan+Tree+Collar5.JPG" width="271" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Move on to the living room. I didn't want the holiday decor to take over the room, so I chose a blue fir tree with sparse and slender silhouette and left it untrimmed. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvO18lBaiY6WoaMkeyM2-isjX2XoTEJbWoTNSonMn3fbsKkQ425fxxXuCeUhojYnyZ2ahpZA9NZFBpPo7YcYLzbGynxGabCz9qiy_xOqbCFyXwqsRJlBzhzLA8GLlnTezABysY0EIVMFF/s1600/AM+Dolce+Vita+Article+Level+Tan+Leather+Bench+Christmas+Tree+2019-2_Original.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1148" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvO18lBaiY6WoaMkeyM2-isjX2XoTEJbWoTNSonMn3fbsKkQ425fxxXuCeUhojYnyZ2ahpZA9NZFBpPo7YcYLzbGynxGabCz9qiy_xOqbCFyXwqsRJlBzhzLA8GLlnTezABysY0EIVMFF/s400/AM+Dolce+Vita+Article+Level+Tan+Leather+Bench+Christmas+Tree+2019-2_Original.JPG" width="286" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Remember the Fiddle Leaf Fig tree I picked up a couple of years ago, it's now standing 7-foot tall and still going strong. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was the <a href="https://www.article.com/product/3957/level-bella-tan-bench">Bella Tan Level Leather Bench</a> from Article. I ordered it for our bedroom but decided to leave it in the living room for extra seating during the holiday entertaining. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dining room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Recently I took on charcuterie board as a new hobby and have been obsessed about it. They certainly have made this year's holiday entertaining so much easier for me, especially with a sprained wrist and tendinitis. In the board below, I pickled those red onion myself using apple cider vinegar. It was so easy to do and has so much presence on the board. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I also candied the naval orange slices in this round board - they were so delicious! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So there you have it, my belated 2019 holiday home tour. Wish you and yours a very happy and prosperous 2020! Dream big and achieve more! </span></div>
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Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-3184578861521613012019-12-12T13:21:00.001-05:002020-01-12T19:24:19.674-05:00Tuscany Italy in 10 Days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I thought I should hop on to write about our 10-day trip to the Tuscany region of Italy in early September. This was our fifth time back to Italy and it was by far our best Italian experience. We flew in and out of Firenze (Florence), and took multiple day trips into the Tuscan countryside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Picture below: view of Florence's Ponte Vecchio from the </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Piazzale Michelangelo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was our 10-day itinerary: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 1: arrival, connecting through Frankfurt. I highly recommend connection flights through FRA (definitely not LHR) for the following reasons: 1) we didn't have to go through airport security again for connecting flights (unlike LHR); 2) our flight landed in the same terminal as our second leg; 3) Lufthansa's Senator Lounge was super nice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 2: Uffizi (<a href="https://www.uffizi.it/en/the-uffizi">Gallerie degli Uffizi</a>), Firenze old town. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 3: Day trip to Cinque Terre. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 4: Florence markets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 5: Day trip to Siena, Monteriggioni, and San Gimignano, drove by Pisa on the way back to Firenze. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 6: Greve, Castellina, Val d'Orcia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 7: </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Montalcino, and Monteplciano, drove by Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia on the way back to Firenze.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 8: Shopping, climb Giotto's Campanile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 9: Departure, connecting through Frankfurt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Weather</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Weather God must really love us. We lucked out yet again throughout our trip. I was worried about the heat wave sweeping the West Europe we heard so much about, but it was actually tolerable by the time we got there. It started out pretty hot at around 35-degree Celsius on the first day - it rained overnight and it immediately cooled down to 28-30 after that. As you could see from the pictures below, it was blue sky every day for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brunelleschi's Dome <span style="text-align: center;">from the </span><span style="text-align: center;">Piazzale Michelangelo</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Arno River at dusk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vernazza, Cinque Terre in Liguria</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vernazza, Cinque Terre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vernazza's rocky beach. This was one of my favourite photos from the trip. My friend Laura was right that it's very Alex Colville-esque.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFAEBKC33zqmGIoYfmPhGdFt6l5PXQIR4q3PFFw8vghbvGpv7ifG67_wnAmGxTJXYzManEis1_M8kqOewptDhaE60lukl8gjq3dvEw7CPKJoY7d9bMEGN6XuQzigmaDYcIldgTTufkJR6/s1600/IMG_4542.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFAEBKC33zqmGIoYfmPhGdFt6l5PXQIR4q3PFFw8vghbvGpv7ifG67_wnAmGxTJXYzManEis1_M8kqOewptDhaE60lukl8gjq3dvEw7CPKJoY7d9bMEGN6XuQzigmaDYcIldgTTufkJR6/s400/IMG_4542.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">Monterosso beach, Cinque Terre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Monterosso beach, Cinque Terre</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcbGH6b7E02uYkQBGiQL4MzsauWtvoxcKzo0rH9A28EZ2NXM1aC1f_1d2JjTIZ4a-f0N449Mb7PnKiSM8NMrPU6EvnfGJnRRFmzY-DHmkh7JGecH-6fSU7jGljZIVNionNV2JT4Qd3nP-/s1600/IMG_4579.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcbGH6b7E02uYkQBGiQL4MzsauWtvoxcKzo0rH9A28EZ2NXM1aC1f_1d2JjTIZ4a-f0N449Mb7PnKiSM8NMrPU6EvnfGJnRRFmzY-DHmkh7JGecH-6fSU7jGljZIVNionNV2JT4Qd3nP-/s400/IMG_4579.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Riomaggiore from our boat, Cinque Terre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Manarola, Cinque Terre. I recommend you go there in the afternoon when the sun shines on those colourful houses. Unfortunately it was our first stop in the morning so the entire harbour was still in the shadow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Art and Architecture</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence and its vicinity is undoubtedly a feast for the eyes and the souls of the artsy. My right brain was super charged throughout our stay there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Picture below: last time we saw this dude (Dante Alighieri) was probably 10 years ago. He still stands tall and poetic. 10 years ago he was veiled in scooter exhaust and smog. I was pleasantly surprised to see air pollution has come way down in Florence, so the statue hasn't lost any of its intricate charms to weathering. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Uffizi Gallery was easily my first stop in Florence. It was only a couple of minutes walk from our hotel by the Arno River bank. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The unfinished masterpiece of da Vinci's, <span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.87);"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adoration_of_the_Magi_(Leonardo)">Adoration of the Magi</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Agnolo Bronzino's </span><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #222222;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portrait_of_Eleanor_of_Toledo" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Portrait of Eleanor of Toledo">Eleonora di Toledo col figlio Giovanni</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sandro Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, just breathtakingly beautiful. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkazh2g7mQPOmi1ytN9XmZaPVYZgJGO3raoiXYwCa7v0WN3-Fc-0wYXh0NmsS_UysDeiAdXCVwkwGtiTnn5tiR37F7cr-xEZN6wR3oJdyjagQYIB6qRzkRiRdjpuOhoIzUpJfD4PFfx_m4/s1600/IMG_4350.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkazh2g7mQPOmi1ytN9XmZaPVYZgJGO3raoiXYwCa7v0WN3-Fc-0wYXh0NmsS_UysDeiAdXCVwkwGtiTnn5tiR37F7cr-xEZN6wR3oJdyjagQYIB6qRzkRiRdjpuOhoIzUpJfD4PFfx_m4/s400/IMG_4350.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">S</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">andro Botticelli's Primavera is one of my all-time favourites. If you follow the tale behind the making of this painting (Medici on Netflix), you would feel your heart pinched a little while taking in every detail of this masterpiece. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ygi3LG5-OEbZozho1g2vRNEyvU-7OYg09g9pWRuErnd4M2fYPd_dNrPqNhTNRL6WtQkM00ZQA84z9kjyoDMQbwJq8cgGTFpBlKKAPK0-nIBeqVgOoK36WfnGlknRITR_4K-N6DOj_o7S/s1600/IMG_4354.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ygi3LG5-OEbZozho1g2vRNEyvU-7OYg09g9pWRuErnd4M2fYPd_dNrPqNhTNRL6WtQkM00ZQA84z9kjyoDMQbwJq8cgGTFpBlKKAPK0-nIBeqVgOoK36WfnGlknRITR_4K-N6DOj_o7S/s400/IMG_4354.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://stik.org/">STIK</a> was here? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ0LnsWY8YwqFYFGEFrDUrlqqw1a9CnF3aEJFphp36RsfUvFxbqxPMQI4X9rXwowaiLRLKZN3QLHLZc8al-Gt12tsDEH2QCIHKN-uCOnr1QOUypsXs7ZlLZQ9YtAgErLkVf9zu5l4ti_S/s1600/IMG_4683.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ0LnsWY8YwqFYFGEFrDUrlqqw1a9CnF3aEJFphp36RsfUvFxbqxPMQI4X9rXwowaiLRLKZN3QLHLZc8al-Gt12tsDEH2QCIHKN-uCOnr1QOUypsXs7ZlLZQ9YtAgErLkVf9zu5l4ti_S/s400/IMG_4683.HEIC" width="281" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bargello">Bargello Museum</a> is a fantastic place to go if you appreciate sculptures and statues. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The marble-clad facade of <span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxgZQvw-HpR0ICH9sQ19VJkg_PqR5np7ZAJTDjPPrN7EZDvzaJ79OibVhXW7xUpnEfqyGEDyKHUJuBneW-MzxK1iEJdtD9T6gazqAUExZL3uugtnmbRz7sFNL2LDEdgXudwmCjj3YHTaI/s1600/IMG_4383.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxgZQvw-HpR0ICH9sQ19VJkg_PqR5np7ZAJTDjPPrN7EZDvzaJ79OibVhXW7xUpnEfqyGEDyKHUJuBneW-MzxK1iEJdtD9T6gazqAUExZL3uugtnmbRz7sFNL2LDEdgXudwmCjj3YHTaI/s400/IMG_4383.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Marble facade of <span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Duomo di Siena, with French Gothic elements. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8agyOqzVzfBlPOYiqWZKWom7-DfYiOWzFh5Yn7MSBVkmcpZtOwlTdWi44zar-4oTjzsWJZPvXApAaKcoNykuU1M_JnsJUWvw-Sqvjz0LY5mKyn3QJmlQKap0S8niueP_REARz12PKbk1/s1600/IMG_4902.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8agyOqzVzfBlPOYiqWZKWom7-DfYiOWzFh5Yn7MSBVkmcpZtOwlTdWi44zar-4oTjzsWJZPvXApAaKcoNykuU1M_JnsJUWvw-Sqvjz0LY5mKyn3QJmlQKap0S8niueP_REARz12PKbk1/s400/IMG_4902.HEIC" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He requires no introduction. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3Y9jpljgo27OT5zDTgoGB9j0SQ04xqLfg0FzhQG4oFC7-JBRAjyBOzwHPKwZs32tuniYMtk2wRkC2kPsvJCCCNDpl-VpjfhMOjKFId0MeQCajJuw_8Q0Z8k7fiCx4nvwfVCZtrfoXRxN/s1600/IMG_4619.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3Y9jpljgo27OT5zDTgoGB9j0SQ04xqLfg0FzhQG4oFC7-JBRAjyBOzwHPKwZs32tuniYMtk2wRkC2kPsvJCCCNDpl-VpjfhMOjKFId0MeQCajJuw_8Q0Z8k7fiCx4nvwfVCZtrfoXRxN/s400/IMG_4619.HEIC" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was hubby and I having too much fun after a few tipples. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoSEu_7rH5yY8uukLkvQyC2X4D3vYSfSt1R-nMXiAZ4esBVY_SQp26dRbNY6rVVixcxdXw9vTsjPzIXagUjUkR7_-ngCLOoUUj1U23l-uKta9jIsKmzzyqc2YsQ7ND5cGKXfH9TyE-hEY/s1600/IMG_4677.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1032" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoSEu_7rH5yY8uukLkvQyC2X4D3vYSfSt1R-nMXiAZ4esBVY_SQp26dRbNY6rVVixcxdXw9vTsjPzIXagUjUkR7_-ngCLOoUUj1U23l-uKta9jIsKmzzyqc2YsQ7ND5cGKXfH9TyE-hEY/s400/IMG_4677.HEIC" width="257" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Piazza della Signoria, how lucky of us to have to walk through the square a few times every day to go places. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhskYA2FfcN0p7h-HkeFdgltkKYQrkfa9BSLkV0v9sfz9ZVnTA-167vksQJJLTre0g3Deu1bRFyno_V-3rHJWW2xs421fuunqX0BsRKkDBUBHK0Nca1fC4frFsDLAbxCWPhGOqc4dpUM5/s1600/IMG_4668.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhskYA2FfcN0p7h-HkeFdgltkKYQrkfa9BSLkV0v9sfz9ZVnTA-167vksQJJLTre0g3Deu1bRFyno_V-3rHJWW2xs421fuunqX0BsRKkDBUBHK0Nca1fC4frFsDLAbxCWPhGOqc4dpUM5/s400/IMG_4668.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Medieval walls of Monteriggioni in Toscana. In the picture behind the fortress gate were Gina and Kim (mother and daughter) from Texas we met during our trip, definitely a highlight of our Tuscan experience. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzl72kUbGF-7SR-oSrjn_y7ubCTH-Z2U01A7l8zXvyYKM0RWqC-LhhZJoOJbrPWp-xgcTXw19fG8Lv_CX06JPFoWJsNOhFL0nouyIp3gBjg6-73VLt89ZMAGK-cCsW1iQFrdHch2qVU-_/s1600/IMG_4865.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzl72kUbGF-7SR-oSrjn_y7ubCTH-Z2U01A7l8zXvyYKM0RWqC-LhhZJoOJbrPWp-xgcTXw19fG8Lv_CX06JPFoWJsNOhFL0nouyIp3gBjg6-73VLt89ZMAGK-cCsW1iQFrdHch2qVU-_/s400/IMG_4865.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The fortress gate of Monteriggioni. I don't know the girl in the picture doing the back walkover but she did make my shot so much artsier. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGtKjBP8x4KPMOJ8Viy3-d4YW3ELmlr9WGSMOOC1mQKo2D-DU6syooP5uDDIGl7Z1F8IMunmhRykQ_A5W1ssCrN7hdwSO9Pef9z-eq43WbURjlbcU8B1HudmBJuos0I9k70uIp8j2iRK1/s1600/IMG_4855.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="973" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGtKjBP8x4KPMOJ8Viy3-d4YW3ELmlr9WGSMOOC1mQKo2D-DU6syooP5uDDIGl7Z1F8IMunmhRykQ_A5W1ssCrN7hdwSO9Pef9z-eq43WbURjlbcU8B1HudmBJuos0I9k70uIp8j2iRK1/s400/IMG_4855.HEIC" width="242" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">San Gimignano was the top of my list to visit during our Tuscan trip, but it turned out to be a big disappointment. Main streets were packed with tourists and shops, and none of the quaint medieval town charm I had in my head. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">C</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">astellina, on the contrary,</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> turned out to be one of my favourite stops. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLjxXX53vX-PEizoAl1HWCA5CQP1T9q0Vj-yCvqPKkac6u2pTZZ5ZE541Hp38lyfiSDCR6anRSzqAR_BBrXMnkoQjSInUKgdmpb_7H_eatHUlQfLXT6wiYWzcYPq1P2EoMleq_PuQcYlQ/s1600/IMG_5079.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLjxXX53vX-PEizoAl1HWCA5CQP1T9q0Vj-yCvqPKkac6u2pTZZ5ZE541Hp38lyfiSDCR6anRSzqAR_BBrXMnkoQjSInUKgdmpb_7H_eatHUlQfLXT6wiYWzcYPq1P2EoMleq_PuQcYlQ/s400/IMG_5079.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemXPK1F0Uzb42YCjWHapufZqNIH8PHF2916K0JKXLO0dVA8L5_D2cxvJrBhuvj64Ow4VGBMY5xqqm1K5VH28P4M8p-LTjN6T1a8PRn4TMl0ujSpi1NHwN3ccT-C_pTW0jvCSRsfxmMlSa/s1600/IMG_5082.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemXPK1F0Uzb42YCjWHapufZqNIH8PHF2916K0JKXLO0dVA8L5_D2cxvJrBhuvj64Ow4VGBMY5xqqm1K5VH28P4M8p-LTjN6T1a8PRn4TMl0ujSpi1NHwN3ccT-C_pTW0jvCSRsfxmMlSa/s400/IMG_5082.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We stumbled upon this super posh art studio called <a href="http://www.luciavolentieri.com/en/">Lucia Volentieri</a> while we were aimless wandering around town in Castellina (the best way to explore a new place IMO). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG4WDXxUOqYj2qbP4MAKre6NUmFnZg-qfZyNgLKqtofj4BzMzTDxvxQgO2qX8O0TtNeRMXg_6KmElgmgL4dY-x5fa3d7ZUWUps6P0fNQ8IaBi6NxvHmVt_jme2-o8jRNxmSJegVbcHMHJ/s1600/IMG_5090.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG4WDXxUOqYj2qbP4MAKre6NUmFnZg-qfZyNgLKqtofj4BzMzTDxvxQgO2qX8O0TtNeRMXg_6KmElgmgL4dY-x5fa3d7ZUWUps6P0fNQ8IaBi6NxvHmVt_jme2-o8jRNxmSJegVbcHMHJ/s400/IMG_5090.HEIC" width="285" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was the artist Lucia holding one of her bird prints - the blueprint she drew up for her sculpture works. She was as lovely as her artworks. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7E080eF8EJPDzcIXctFS1koaKLUZptuU7J0tcaKVmoX_kc5yVyOzFXTUZip93nv4RhL5E-uh9slOhpqBq1tHw8MfqhyphenhyphenQsbh6Xclw1OKRqxFGBJQLLRnWOdmixPUJI0uaRkaySlGDKuhup/s1600/IMG_5093.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7E080eF8EJPDzcIXctFS1koaKLUZptuU7J0tcaKVmoX_kc5yVyOzFXTUZip93nv4RhL5E-uh9slOhpqBq1tHw8MfqhyphenhyphenQsbh6Xclw1OKRqxFGBJQLLRnWOdmixPUJI0uaRkaySlGDKuhup/s400/IMG_5093.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We had to drive 20 minutes off the main road and took another 15 minutes brisk walk on gravel road under 35 degree Celsius heat to get to this <a href="https://www.tuscany-villas.it/to-tuscany/2013/tourist-attractions/churches/vitaleta-chapel">Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta</a>, the world's loneliest church. My husband called it the "holy church of Instagram". </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCHxdroiUTt5IHq4rmnSA31QtahSQkgaacpGwa5UglRSlTmugN85Od2xqzNL_tA2xa5UtQvR1dLDLbpfcBMHy0_GoyC4dkRPwpdDVLtTnJZumVAI55_dLaYZWg1POSYFrNki72weaBfFn/s1600/697DDB65-2EE7-4E78-B0EC-ED722874D13B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCHxdroiUTt5IHq4rmnSA31QtahSQkgaacpGwa5UglRSlTmugN85Od2xqzNL_tA2xa5UtQvR1dLDLbpfcBMHy0_GoyC4dkRPwpdDVLtTnJZumVAI55_dLaYZWg1POSYFrNki72weaBfFn/s400/697DDB65-2EE7-4E78-B0EC-ED722874D13B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The stunning views of the rolling Tuscan hills and fields made the trip completely worthwhile. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brunelleschi's dome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Food and Wine</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of the reasons we kept going back to Italy was food. I am convinced my husband should've been born into an Italian family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Picture below: pretty much my diet when in Tuscany: grilled pesce, fruitti di mare (seafood), gelato and a ton of vino. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsrC_z5NNhFWR0xcvTt0rGjuV9n6z3RhjXl2MUrtR-aw21lf9r4D7gfk947Yup-HvJn1RjpedBw9sXej2hKHydttTMpL6m0EWe972YlzjvLj4_h5jq_hrwqS3L09BfzPT4ajWsBly06We/s1600/IMG_4214.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsrC_z5NNhFWR0xcvTt0rGjuV9n6z3RhjXl2MUrtR-aw21lf9r4D7gfk947Yup-HvJn1RjpedBw9sXej2hKHydttTMpL6m0EWe972YlzjvLj4_h5jq_hrwqS3L09BfzPT4ajWsBly06We/s400/IMG_4214.HEIC" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fHXMpHlmJUQio95nClTNM0etrxQGBcdzFAsT6LpHVr2IlsEM1ffgxneXm9AdQ_lBtZ41W6hP76CidaTldIbxsEraZk74iBJq5tb9Wh_W-6TIGbnTvLd2QMBnN7t1nyykj4s-IAnoGMb2/s1600/IMG_4205.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fHXMpHlmJUQio95nClTNM0etrxQGBcdzFAsT6LpHVr2IlsEM1ffgxneXm9AdQ_lBtZ41W6hP76CidaTldIbxsEraZk74iBJq5tb9Wh_W-6TIGbnTvLd2QMBnN7t1nyykj4s-IAnoGMb2/s400/IMG_4205.HEIC" width="268" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hubby had no problem finding his favourite steakhouse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The glorious Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the t-bone steak Florence style. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Summer truffle galore at the restaurant, which they used in almost all their food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While in Monterosso, Cinque Terre, we stayed in line for about 40 minutes at this fried seafood joint right outside the train station. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's overrated if you asked me, and definitely not worthwhile waiting 40 minutes for. If you can walk right up, sure, give it a try. It's a very "hygge" thing to do devouring these greasy and crunchy deep-fried calamaris over a bear on the beach. </span><br />
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T<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rippa Alla Fiorentina, beef tripe Florence style, sounds intimidating but you must try it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Outside of Florence into the Tuscan wine country, food gets more rustic and earthier with a lot of cured meats and cheeses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">During this trip we visited 5 wineries throughout the Tuscan countryside. We learnt so much about wine making and gained a whole new appreciation of Italian wines and cuisine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was 20-year balsamic vinegar drizzled on a thin slice of sheep milk cheese, simply heaven when paired with Brunello! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our best experience was at the <a href="http://www.brunellotornesi.it/joomla/en/">Tornesi</a> winery. It's not as grandeur as Poggio Amorelli, or young and lively as <a href="https://www.palagetto.it/en/">Palagetto</a>, but Tornesi has the most heart and soul when it comes to their wines, food and heritage. So I encourage to make a stop for them. You'd be so inspired after you speak with the little boss Elise. </span></div>
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Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-44223208411586820732019-10-21T13:33:00.001-04:002019-10-21T13:33:30.053-04:00How to Renovate a Building into a Restaurant or Café <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Many investors dream of opening a restaurant or café, and if you’ve bought a property that’s a fixer-upper, you may be considering turning it into a dining establishment. While you will no doubt have some ideas about what you want the finished product to look like, it can be a challenge to put these ideas into practice and create a space that’s both practical and stylish. Here are some tips to get you started:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Come up with a concept</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s not enough to say “I want to open a restaurant” or “I’m going to open a café”; you need to ensure you stand out from the other places in your town or city, without alienating your core customers. While </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/modeledbehavior/2017/01/29/no-most-restaurants-dont-fail-in-the-first-year/#2b86829a4fcc" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0563c1; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the statistic about 90% of restaurants failing in their first year is false</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, the failure rate is about 17%, which is still a gamble for investors. A lot of the time it’s because not enough research has been done, so they’ve either opened in an overcrowded local market, opened something inappropriate for the local area, or simply not offered good value for money.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Think about the space available</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Restaurant space really needs to have a flow, the foyer needs to be open and welcoming, the dining room should be easy for servers to get around, and there needs to be easy access between the kitchen and the dining area. Take a look at how the building is laid out and think about the practicalities of turning it into a restaurant. </span><a href="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/restaurant-floor-plans" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0563c1; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Look at some examples of restaurant floor plans</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to see what other people have done and whether this might work for you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Think about the décor</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once you have the concept for your restaurant and an idea about how you’ll use the space, ideas for the décor should come naturally. You want something that’ll be appropriate for the sort of restaurant in terms of style, so think about your cuisine, average customer, and how formal or casual your restaurant will be. You might want to start </span><a href="https://www.eclipsefurniture.co.uk/restaurant-t80" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0563c1; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">looking for restaurant tables and other furniture</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and pick these out first, then from there, start planning colors, decoration and the finishing touches. It’s worth working with an interior designer, as although this can be expensive, they can help you achieve an up-to-date look and a unique style.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Consult with your chef and staff</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When you’re renovating the kitchen area, it’s worth working closely with your chef, especially in the lead up to opening. An experienced chef will have worked in many different kitchens over the years, so will no doubt have lots of thoughts about what works and what doesn’t. If this is your first restaurant or café opening, it’s important to take feedback on board from those who’ve done it before. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many people think they can open a restaurant, but it is a tough renovation project and requires a lot of vision. It’s important to have a realistic budget in mind and to hire professionals to take you through the project, so you have the best possible chance of getting it right first time. </span></div>
Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163727001028087779.post-86840226006010867632019-10-08T19:43:00.002-04:002019-10-08T19:43:54.353-04:00Getting Your Home Ready for the Market: A Guide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make Sure to Declutter </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moving home is the perfect time to prioritize your belongings, not only because it allows for a much tidier atmosphere for when potential buyers are viewing, but because it also means less items for you to have to transport over to your new home. </span><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-best-decluttering-advice-weve-heard_n_5a0c8906e4b0b17ffce1ffb8?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJ_UnxRekc1Pq0yigAOl8IR_yEHoTf1NzteTAooSnPlSKBBqvFi-xDDAQq6hqCZ2Ha8GS4tLCxF0y8RgO2D2L-VQ0vQ2OvtJG5_xETjaKUyXN211j_qKw19WHWjS5Ha0lqkECwaqkLay3uuqx4XOt8kL1ONfyVGUr8MUClgezimv" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0563c1; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eliminating clutter</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from your home can give the impression of a property having more space, as well as it having a more clean and inviting feel. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Invest in Improved Windows </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upgraded windows can really add significant value to your property, as well as improving the overall look of your home and reducing issues such as visible condensation. Installing </span><a href="https://www.rydalewindows.co.uk/windows" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0563c1; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">double glazed windows</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a beneficial investment, as you should make your money back when your home comes to sell. Potential buyers may be deterred by any home which only has single glazing and which they need to upgrade themselves; a task many buyers may not be prepared to do. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Try a Fresh Coat of Paint</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A new coat of paint can make your home look fresh and ready. Especially in lighter shades such as white or cream, a fresh paint job can provide a light and airy feel, and really open up a space to allow it to feel a lot bigger. Buyers may also prefer the option of a fresh canvas in order to put their own stamp on the property, rather than having to deal with the previous homeowner’s bold and eccentric wallpaper choices.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Store Away Personal Items </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A potential buyer will like to envisage themselves in your property in order to see whether they are best suited for it. It’s difficult for a buyer to do this if your home is overrun and abundant with personal items such as family photographs and ornaments. Although you still want the property to feel like your home while you’re still living in it, it’s a good idea to store away your more treasured, personal items while viewings are taking place. You can always display them again once the viewing has finished.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Update the Front Door </span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-24eb6dc2-7fff-8642-78a7-ad7cea36c5fe"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span><a href="https://www.realhomes.com/advice/transform-the-exterior-of-your-home" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0563c1; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">exterior of a property</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> can sometimes be neglected when it comes to home improvements. Yet the exterior is the first thing a buyer will see when they arrive for a property viewing, and often it’s this first impression which can affect their decision. Having an attractive and welcoming front door can actually make all the difference. A solid and upgraded door not only gives the buyer a sense of security, but it can also add a cleaner and more stylish look to your property’s exterior, especially if the previous door was in a shabby condition. </span></span></span></div>
Michelle @ AM Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711657510413594523noreply@blogger.com