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Sunday, February 10, 2019

The Basic Rules for Choosing Colors to Decorate Your Space

How to Choose Colors for Your Space: 1. Mood, 2. Temperature, 3. Harmonies

Looking at a room and making choices can be overwhelming. No need to fret, just keep these three basics in mind as you tackle your project: Mood, Temperature, Harmonies

1. Mood

In a previous home decor article we discussed how choosing the mood for your room was the first essential step to starting a decorating project.

Once you've established the mood, be it light and airy or warm and cozy, you need to then determine the color scheme for your space.

2. Temperature

Warm Color Choices for Home Décor

Red, yellow and orange, and variations of them, are considered warm colors.

If your goal is to create a space that feels like being wrapped in a blanket, safeness and security, then dominate your space with warm colors.

Where we live also determines our approach to decorating. Standard logic applies: Colder climates lean towards warmer decorating themes and warmer climates attract cooler décor themes. However, don't be guided by that, do what you like.

Cool Color Choices for Home Décor

Blue, greens and light purples fall into the cool color category. Cool colors remind us of water and the sky. Depending upon how you mix and match colors they can also reflect the feeling of ice and snow.

Think about nautical themes where multiple shades of blue are used, and you'll get a good idea of what cool energy is suppose to feel like.

3. Harmonies - Use the 60-30-10 Rule

Decorate using the 60-30-10 rule. It's an easy to understand basic rule outlining percentage of color use.

60 Percent: The main color occupies 60 percent of the space. Use this color for larger areas such as furniture, walls and flooring.

30 Percent: The secondary color choice would consume 30 percent of the décor in the space. Logically you would use the next obvious items to feature this color. Items to consider in this shade would be drapes, smaller furniture pieces, bedding and even an accent wall.

10 Percent: The third color choice would be used for smaller accessories such as throw blankets, pillows, lamps and wall art.

How to Put it All Together - Choosing the Actual Colors

1. You've selected the mood. Check.
2. You've decided upon the temperature. Check.
3. Now you need your 60-30-10 color scheme

BUT...

You're not sure how to choose the actual colors for the 60-30-10 rule.

Last week we discussed Pantone's color of the year for 2019. In that article three color schemes were outlined, however there are several more to consider.

Here's a brief summary of color harmonies:

1. Triadic Color Scheme - Three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel
2. Square Color Scheme - Four colors evenly spaced on the color wheel
3. Complementary Colors - Colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel
4. Analogous Color Scheme - Colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel
5. Monochromatic Color Scheme - Involves all the shades in one particular color
6. Achromatic Color Scheme - Unsaturated or near neutral colors such black, browns, greys or any hue or lightness

Here's a sample of a color wheel so you can see quadrants and opposites at a glance.

A Personal Choice Video from Wayfair that Explains 60-30-10 and Color Schemes

If you learn best by watching videos, this one is easy to understand. Before tackling your next decorating project, start by watching this:

Here's to your decorating freedom, have fun :)

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Saturday, February 9, 2019

Reviewing TrueSport Workout Fuel - A Vegan Pre-Workout Supplement

Reviewing Arbonne's Truesport Workout Fuel

TrueSport Workout Fuel by Arbonne

When you're training for an event or just working out the one thing you don't want to do is find your energy flagging partway through.

Enter the world of the pre-workout supplement, there are basically two different types of pre-workout those with caffeine and those without.

Arbonne's TrueSport Workout Fuel is a non-caffeine pre-workout, so how does it give you energy?

Basically, this formula includes the amino acids arginine, glutamine and carnitine for optimum performance as well as B12 for energy and their own patented botanical formulation of cayenne, ginseng and tumeric.

My Personal Thoughts on Arbonne's Pre-Workout Supplement

I do like the TrueSport range although I didn't initially use the Workout Fuel, but I have decided to take up running at the age of 49 (yes, probably a little crazy!) and so gave myself 5 weeks to go from not running to doing a 5km event. I thought it was time to see what the Workout Fuel was all about.

After 2 weeks I can honestly say that the day I forgot to take my Prepare & Endure was the only day I didn't manage to finish what was on my program to do.

As an Arbonne consultant, I have held a couple of taste testings of the TrueSport range at my gym and the Workout Fuel is a popular choice as far as the flavor goes. Personally, the flavor isn't my favorite as it's orange and pineapple, but what I do like is that it doesn't taste overly sweet like some of the pre-workout drinks are.

It does include some sugar in the form of cane sugar and there's a very good reason why cane sugar is used as it contains electrolytes.

I mix my sachet up with 500 ml of water (it's recommended to use between 250 - 500 ml) and I usually start sipping it about 30 minutes before I start working out and continuing to drink it throughout my run.

More Details on How Workout Fuel Works

When you combine the amino acids arginine & glutamine in a pre-workout you'll find it helps to increase your performance if you're using weights and attempting to build muscle and strength. There have been some detractors over recent years, but a study by the American College of Sports Medicine showed that not only were they able to train longer before becoming exhausted they were also shown to recover quicker between workouts.

As far as athletic performance (aka my running) carnitine is the winner in my opinion. This amino acid has been popular with both athletes and weight builders since the 1980s and for lots of good reasons. When I first heard about carnitine it was in the 90s when I managed a health food store and we sold it as a fat burner to weightlifters.

There are lots of different ways in which carnitine is invaluable as a pre-workout supplement -

Fat metabolism
Increases athletic performance
Aids in recovery
Protects your brain from stress while also increasing adrenaline levels so that your motivation levels stay high while exercising
Improves cardiovascular health
Improves your skin
Burns visceral fats

For more information about carnitine - Fitness and Power

More TrueSport Products

I use the Workout Fuel in combination with TrueSport Muscle Recovery. There is also a third supplement called TrueSport Hydration which I also love.

But I NEED A Pre-Workout with Caffeine!

If you feel that you really need to have a caffeinated pre-workout then you can try what I used to use which was combining TrueSport Hydration with an Arbonne Fizz Stick in 1 litre of water. I found this worked really well (although I'm now preferring the Workout Fuel).

The Fizz Stick contains caffeine derived from green tea and guarana, the added bonus with this is that it's a more alkaline caffeine (as opposed to the acidity found when it's derived from coffee beans) and it's more stable so you don't experience the caffeine crash.

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Friday, February 8, 2019

Stonewall Kitchen Pancake Mix, Maine Syrups & Gift Set Reviewed

Stonewall Kitchen Pancake Mix, Maple Syrup & Gift Set Reviewed

I love cooking for my family, therefore a gift for my kitchen is always the right gift.

When I received my Stonewall Kitchen gift set this year from my husband, I was immediately thrilled by the pretty blueberry batter bowl. I admit, my one weakness is mixing bowls. I love them, especially if they have a spout.

I was also pretty excited to try a new pancake mix. Turns out, I prefer the Stonewall Kitchen pancake mix to any other that I have ever tried. That is rather surprising since I have used a popular grocery store brand for decades and have always liked the flavor and texture of the store brand. However, the Stonewall Kitchen pancake & waffle mix has a better taste.

The gift set also came with Wild Maine Blueberry Jam and Wild Maine Blueberry Syrup. By now, you have probably guessed it was a blueberry themed gift set. He also gave me a bottle of Wild Maine Maple Syrup separately. Actually, he probably bought that for himself, but it was included with the gift.

Stonewall Kitchen Farmhouse Pancake & Waffle Mix

Stonewall Kitchen Farmhouse Pancake and Waffle MixCheck Price If you love pancakes, and you prefer using a mix, you will want to try the Stonewall Kitchen Farmhouse Pancake & Waffle Mix. As I said in the introduction, I was extremely surprised to find that I prefer it to the brand that I have used for a lifetime.

The mix requires that an egg, milk & melted butter be added, but I always have those on-hand, so no problem. I quickly whipped up the batter and made our first batch of pancakes. I wasn't sure what to expect since the batter was a lot thinner than other pancake batters, but my fears were unfounded. The pancakes were delicious.

When we sat down to eat, neither one of us was talking, we were too busy eating!

My Preferred Method for Cooking Pancakes

Black & Decker SK1215BC Family Sized Electric SkilletCheck PriceIt is important that I note how I cook the Stonewall Kitchen mix pancakes. I use my electric skillet, set to 350°, with about a half-inch of Crisco vegetable oil covering the bottom of the skillet. In effect, I am frying my pancakes in oil, uncovered. I turn the pancakes when bubbles start to form on the side that is up. I only turn them once.

Because the clean-up is easier, the second time I made these pancakes, I used my Cuisinart Griddler. I can also cook more pancakes at one time since the Griddler opens out flat which allows me to cook on two grills at the same time. I didn't expect there to be much difference, but there definitely was a difference. The pancakes were simply not as good. They still tasted okay, but after the first batch cooked in the electric skillet, they were disappointing.

Therefore, from now on, I will always cook my Stonewall Kitchen pancakes in oil in my electric skillet.

The Stonewall Kitchen Syrups

I am a huge fan of blueberry syrup when it is really good, but I hate it if it tastes artificial. My husband prefers Maple syrup, but like me, he is selective. It has to be real maple syrup.

Few blueberry syrups live up to my standards. Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Syrup is, by far, the best I have ever eaten!

Believe it or not, my husband has said that the Stonewall Kitchen Maine Maple Syrup is the best maple syrup he has ever tried. Big wins there for Stonewall Kitchen! We are both very picky when it comes to our pancake syrup.

Oh, and the bottles are really cute too!

Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry SyrupCheck Price Stonewall Kitchen Maine Maple SyrupCheck Price

Stonewall Kitchen Breakfast Gift Baskets and Sets (5 Piece Blueberry Gift Set)Check PriceMy Stonewall Kitchen Blueberry Gift Set

Yeah, I know. Now you all want my gift set too. Well, you can't have mine, but you can have one like it. I can tell you from experience, this is a great gift for the cook.

Do note though that the blueberry set comes with blueberry syrup. You may also wish to purchase the Maine Maple Syrup separately like we did.

The gift set includes everything you see in the picture and comes wrapped in the cellophane bag tied with a Stonewall Kitchen ribbon like mine in the top photo.

Gift Set Includes:

Farmhouse Pancake & Waffle Mix
Blueberry Batter Bowl
Wild Maine Blueberry Jam
Wild Maine Blueberry Syrup
Blue Spatula

Related & Relative Articles

I am not the only blueberry loving Contributor! Olivia has previously revealed her love for the fruit too. Plus, you may have recognized the phrase I used in the introduction, "my one weakness". That is actually a quote from Lark Rise to Candleford. Dorcas Lane uses that descriptive phrase several times in the movie and it always tickles me to hear her say it.

You may have noticed the Stonewall Kitchen Pancake Mix is also for waffles. Literally, it is named Farmhouse Pancake & Waffle Mix. You can make those waffles in a really cute heart-shaped waffle maker that was reviewed here by Bev Owens.

It's National Blueberry Month All Around the World

Olivia reviews some of the best recipes, as well as a cookbook recommendation, for all of us who love to consume this delightful bit of heaven on earth!

Lark Rise To Candleford Review

Enjoy Lark Rise To Candleford the BBC series which inspires, enlightens and entertains the entire family. The Lark Rise to Candleford series is based on the semi-autobiographical novels by Flora Thompson

Mini Muffins- Bake Ahead and Freeze
Mary Beth shared her own personal recipe for blueberry apple oat muffins here. She also gave us the basic recipe for her bake and freeze muffins which could include many different fruits & nuts.

Heart Waffle Maker Reviewed
Bev reviewed this heart shaped waffle maker to make our waffles in the shape of a heart as an expression of our love. Small and lightweight this heart shaped waffle maker can be a fun addition to any kitchen.

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Stonewall Kitchen Pancake Mix, Maple Syrup & Gift Set Reviewed Written by:

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Thursday, February 7, 2019

Ruff Relief Organic Pet Paw, Nose, and Skin Balm - Review

My adventure dog, Finn, is finding winter conditions to be hard on his sensitive paws. When I rescued him, the pads on Finn's feet were as silky smooth as baby skin. That is because Finn had never been outdoors. Recently, during a walk at the park, Finn stopped moving and started whimpering a bit. After quickly checking his feet, I realized he was communicating discomfort related to an ice ball that had formed between the toes on a front foot. Not long after that incident, Finn let me know that he could not tolerate any small amount of the chemical de-icer that was present on city sidewalks and roads. What to do?

As I considered possible solutions, such as dog booties and paw wax, or hibernating until June, I came across a highly rated organic paw balm called Ruff Relief. The key factor that sold me on this particular pet product had a lot to do with the fact that it is rated at a human grade food level (the first time I have seen that). Given that dogs frequently lick their feet, it was really important to me that anything Finn put in his mouth was natural, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic (along with made in the USA). The fact that Ruff Relief has earned a USDA certification sealed the deal for me.

You may be wondering about the ingredients. That was the first thing I wanted to know. Here they are:

Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Organic Coconut Oil
Organic Beeswax
Organic Carnauba Wax
Jojoba Wax
Non-GMO Vitamin E

These natural ingredients are safe to use on paws, noses, and other skin hot spots. Though I think of winter as the toughest time to keep my animals' skin protected, summer presents its own challenges (think burning hot pavement and concrete). Ruff Relief provides year-round protection from ice, snow, and heated surfaces. If your pet ever suffers from cracking, chapped, or dry skin, you may wish to give Ruff Relief a try. There's really no risk given that the company provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You have 30 days to test drive this product. If you aren't happy with the results, simply request a full refund.

Since I have just started using this balm on Finn's paws, I'll have to keep you posted about our longer term results. I am fully expecting good outcomes given all of the positive online reviews. Stay tuned for updates.

Before closing, I thought I would share some fun facts I discovered while searching for information about dog feet.

Fritos Feet

What is that corn chip smell?? Why do dogs have feet that smell like Fritos, Cheetos, or popcorn? Actually, that is totally normal. The smell comes from natural bacteria that grow on canine paws (mixed with a dog's unique paw sweat gland odor).

Did You Know?
Some dog breeds, think Greyhounds, Dobermans, and Akitas, have "cat feet" (smaller feet with high arches). These features, along with the lightness of their feet, enhance their endurance.

Pop Quiz
Does your dog have webbed feet? If so, you should ace this quiz. In the comment section, please name a breed of dog with webbing between the toes/pads.

Finally, have you had to treat your pet's feet at certain times of year? If so, what worked well for your four-legged friend?

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Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Gardeners and Valentine's Day What a Great Combination Reviewed

There is no doubt about it, when February comes calling, gardeners are already itching to get into the "dirt" of the matter!

Valentine's Day and Gardeners are a great combination. Around every corner you will find something that will satisfy and excite the gardener in your life. All gardeners are spending much of February pouring over Seed Catalogs and planning to attend the local Garden Shows that are sure to be happening in March. I know that I am planning not only my flower gardens, but my vegetable garden too! I can hardly wait for that first snowdrop or even (heaven forbid) that first dandelion!

What it means is that Old Man Winter is leaving and the warmth and loveliness of Spring is on the way. Even dandelions with their yellow heads are welcome after a cold and dreary winter season. And the ladybugs are just an added bonus.

Valentine's Day is a great time to think about those things that will make the gardener in your family really happy. There is a list and it can go on and on. But let me help you make some good decisions when it comes to the gifts that a gardener would really love to have.

First on the List is Books!

I don't know any gardener that would not love a beautiful book that highlights not only plants, but gives great instructions on growing them too! Along with books would be a subscription to Gardening Magazines of which there are many to choose from. You can find magazines specific to your area and growing zones. You can also go to more general magazines that will cover a multitude of plants, vegetables, trees, shrubs and in gardening zones around the world. Sometimes pictures are worth the time to dream!

Second on the List is Plants!

Your local garden center will have a multitude of plants available, especially since it is coming close to Valentine's Day. You don't need to buy cut roses to make a gardener happy. Primroses, potted tulips and daffodils, even indoor tropical plants are a welcome addition to the household. They are reasonably priced and will last a lot longer than any cut flowers.

Third on the List is Pots!

I personally love pots that are beautiful to look at! My indoor plants always look amazing because they are in pots that match or contrast with my decor. It makes a plain plant look amazing when it stands out as a focal point in a room. And the added bonus is that the indoor plants do a great job of cleaning the air indoors. This is particularly important in the winter months when windows and doors are shut up tight to keep the cold out. When you have some really good indoor plants working for you, the air never gets that winter "stale" feel.

Fourth on the List is Garden Tools!

Every year I know there is another garden tool that I want. It never fails. From hoes, rakes, wagons, potting benches and saws to hand tools and garden hoses, there is always something I need. Make it part of your conversations and I'm sure you will find there is something needed or wanted that would make a unique Valentine's gift. You can find some great reviews here: Review This Gardening

Fifth on the List is Hand Soaps and Creams!

Most gardeners are always fighting with dirt under the fingernails and hands. Playing in the dirt can be very taxing on the skin as well. A good hand cream/balm and some really fine soaps would be welcome by every gardener that I know. Even though we love to play in the dirt, we also like our hands to be clean and our skin soft. There's no need for calluses even though we work with our hands.

Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth on the List!

If none of the above floats your boat, then there is this extended list too......

6. Garden lights, Tiki lamps, outdoor fireplace

7. Garden seating, chairs, umbrellas, tables

8. Bird Feeders, hummingbird feeders anything that will attract birds and bees.

9. Bird baths, Fountains, running water.

Last but not Least the Tenth!

10. I know I mentioned tools, but there are other things that would help a gardener that are a little less obvious. How about garden hoses, timers for lights, Outdoor glassware (non-breakable), or a good water bottle to keep that gardener hydrated!

This list is by no means complete. There are always new products and garden decor that can change just as the seasons do. It's a great starting point for anyone who wants to make a gardener they love happy at Valentine's Day, that's for sure.

The products I have chosen to show are just a small sample of what's available. Just remember that Gardeners love anything that will help them to grow something beautiful or delicious and sometimes both.
Happy Valentine's Day May your garden overflow with the love that you pour into it.

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Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Heart Waffle Maker Reviewed

Another Way To Say I Love You

Heart Waffles image courtesy of pixabay.com

With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, I have had hearts on my mind. I found an adorable little kitchen gadget that will allow me to make little heart shaped waffles anytime of the year that I want to.

The fun part is that with this mini waffle maker you and I are not constrained with just making waffles. Any wet batter will work. So, we can make heart shaped hash browns, paninis or even biscuit dough for a little heart shaped pizza. Now isn't that a fun idea?

This little waffle maker is very light weight (about a pound) and does not take up much room for storage. It is a perfect size for a small apartment and can even travel with you on vacation. It heats up fairly quickly, too. The one drawback is that it only makes one waffle at a time but it shouldn't take too much time to whip up several due to the miniature size.

I couldn't help but think of one of my family members who traveled around the country in an RV. This little heart waffle maker would have been great for them to have on their trips because it would pack away nicely in that very limited kitchen area. You are not limited to a heart design, either. There is an option for traditional round waffles if you would rather have them instead of hearts.

What a fun idea for a house warming gift or a gift for the new bride and groom. Kids can make heart shaped waffles for Mom or Dad on Mother's and Father's day. There are just so many fun ways that this little gadget can be used! I think that it would be such a fun little addition to any kitchen. What about you? Do you think that you would have some fun with it?

Mini Heart Waffle Maker

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Monday, February 4, 2019

Book Review: True Places: a Novel by Sonja Yoerg

True Places: A Novel by Sonja Yoerg

I chose True Places as my Amazon First Reads pick a month or so ago. I had not previously heard of the author, Sonja Yoerg. I chose the novel because of the setting: the area on and around the Blue Ridge Parkway. I could relate with many parts of this story and with several of the characters. The story kept my attention and I wanted to find out what would become of the woman, her family, and the wild child she found along the road.

True Places by Sonja Yoerg

This is a tale of country life, suburban life, and what may happen when the two are combined.

The country story begins with a child living alone in a remote cabin in the forest with her mother. Tragedy strikes.

The suburban story begins with Suzanne Blakemore, an over-extended mom, wife, and fundraising organizer extraordinaire. Feeling the pressures of too many commitments and too little time, forty-two year old Suzanne impulsively drives her Navigator (full of the over-powering scent of the hyacinths she is transporting for the Boosters auction) away from it all.

While driving at a break-neck speed on the Blue Ridge Parkway, she finds a sick and emaciated child. After hospitalization, that child - who turns out to be a very small 16 year old - joins the Blakemore family. We hold our breath at times as we watch Mr. Blakemore and his son, Reid, butt heads. And we watch as the Blakemore's daughter, Brynn, is guided by adolescent emotions, peer pressures, and social media. Social media - where mocking and bullying occurs by the minute and no one is immune - especially not the "wild child".

Will this family be able to blend or will tragedy strike again?

My prediction was that the author would portray one setting and it's inhabitants as better than the other. One group of people right. And the other group wrong. I would have put money on the story being about the civilized suburban folk saving the poor country bumpkins. I was pleasantly surprised that the author showed the good, the bad, and the ugly of both worlds.

The moral of the story is about the difference between doing things because they are the expected things to do and doing the things that make us feel right. It was about finding our True Places and our true selves.

Amazon First Reads

Amazon First Reads is a program through Amazon in which each month a book from a selection of approximately 6 books are offered for free (for Prime members) or a reduced cost for First Reads subscribers. On the 1st of each month, I choose a book from those books are offered.

I have found some new-to-me authors that I probably would not have read otherwise. I can't say that I've liked all of my First Reads picks, but I can say that I look forward to the 1st of each month and have found some authors that I will watch for in the future.

First Reads is one of many reasons I continue to renew my Amazon Prime membership.

Image credit: photo courtesy of Fotojet

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Sunday, February 3, 2019

What is Pantone's Color of the Year for 2019?

What is Pantone's Color of the Year for 2019?

A Review of How Pantone Nails it Again with Their Choice for 2019's Color of the Year

Each year Pantone chooses the color based on what hue best represents what's needed most in society.

The 2019 color choice was based on friendly, joyous, and cheerful human connection. With the overwhelming influence of digital technology consuming our lives, 2019's color represents a step back into human, earthly connection.

The 2019 Color of the Year is Living Coral 16-1546

Living Coral as explained by Pantone represents nature and connection.

"Living Coral emits the desired, familiar, and energizing aspects of color found in nature. In its glorious, yet unfortunately more elusive, display beneath the sea, this vivifying and effervescent color mesmerizes the eye and mind. Lying at the center of our naturally vivid and chromatic ecosystem, PANTONE Living Coral is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of color" - by Pantone.com

Why Does Pantone's Color of the Year Matter?

If you don't care, it doesn't matter. However color surrounds us from cradle to grave and most of what we do involves color.

BUT remember, color represents feelings. Our feelings often dictate our life. Those wiser than us know how to harness it.

Every color evokes emotion. Color means something, says something and is used by companies to sell you stuff. So even if you don't care, color is affecting you, sometimes subliminally.

Color of the Year Drives Trends from Fashion to Home Décor

You're not going to choose the design for a room based on the color of the year are you? Actually if you love the 2019 color of the year and want to recreate it's energy for a space, then yes you will.

This particular shade of coral encompasses several percentages of multiple colors:

98.82% red
46.27% green
41.47% blue

How to Choose Colors to Match Living Coral in Your Room's Design

Without getting overly technical, using the diagram below, I've outlined a few fundamentals about color.

Choosing Colors for a Room Design Featuring Living Coral

You aren't tied to these specific shades, but to help you make choices, the above colors are the ones chosen for the harmonies below.

TRIAD Color Harmony for Your Room:

When you're using a triadic color scheme you choose three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel. Notice on the above photo that two colors are labelled 'Triad'. Both of those colors, plus the 'Living Coral' are evenly spaced on the color wheel. If you're comfortable with these shades, the color choices are done for you. Go ahead and pick accessories such as rugs, drapes and wall color based on these three colors.

SQUARE Color Harmony for Your Room:

A square color scheme are four colors equally spaced around the color wheel. Again, to make it easier for you, match 'Living Color' with the three boxes above labelled 'Square'.

COMPLEMENTARY Color Harmony for Your Room:

Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. When you want to have a particular item or items stand out in the space, use a complementary color. However, keep them to a minimum to avoid your room being too stark.

INVERTED Colors:

The inverted color featured above is the 'inversion' or inside out version of 'Living Color'. Use it for accessories or other items you want to stand out or pop in the space. One example could be pillows and throw blankets.

The above is just a brief outline of color combinations for 'Living Coral'. There are many other hues and combinations that work.

Here are a Couple of Bedroom Accessories to Inspire You:

Personalized Modern, trendy, living coral,template, 2019 pantone throw pillow

Pantone 2019 Living Coral - Sun-kissed wheat in coral night light

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Saturday, February 2, 2019

Review of Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans

Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans. (Source: Wikipedia)

Cafe Du Monde is a famous coffee shop in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It was opened in 1862 and is famous for it's chicory-blend coffee and Beignets. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except for Christmas Day (and the occasional hurricane). Luckily, this famous cafe suffered only minor damage during Hurricane Katrina.

I've visited Cafe Du Monde twice on visits to New Orleans. It has a charming atmosphere and the Beignets are the most delectable pastry you will ever taste. I do have to admit, though, that I personally find the famous chicory coffee 'undrinkable'. I do not like the taste of chicory and I dislike strong coffee. But if you love chicory coffee or Vietnamese-style iced coffee, you will love the Cafe Du Monde coffee, particularly their Cafe au lait.

Cafe au Lait

Cafe au Lait (Image Source)

Cafe au lait is coffee with hot milk added. This is different from coffee known as 'white coffee', which has cold milk or other whitener added. Cafe au Lait simply means “coffee with milk”.

Beignet

Beignets (Image Source)

Beignet is a French pastry that is deep fried and served topped with powdered sugar. It is so light and flaky and is downright irresistible!

The allrecipes site has a recipe for you to make your own Beignets at home if you are not able to visit Cafe du Monde in New Orleans.

The ingredients in the Beignets recipe include dry yeast, white sugar, salt and 2 eggs, plus evaporated milk, flour and shortening. You will also need vegetable oil for fying and confectioners' sugar to shake on top of the hot beignets. Serve warm.

There are also box mixes of Beignets available if you do not care to go to the (delicious) trouble of starting from scratch.

Sylvestermouse has an interesting article about the Café Du Monde Coffee & Chicory and Beignet mix available for home use. Check it out here: Cafe Du Monde Coffee & Chicory Reviewed.

The word Beignet, of course, means donut.

Visit Cafe Du Monde

Cafe du Monde New Orleans restaurant, and map collage

The original Café Du Monde Coffee Stand is located at 800 Decatur Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. In 1985 a second café was opened and today there are 8 Café Du Monde locations in the New Orleans Metropolitan area.

The Café Du Monde coffee stand is a 'must-see' and very tasty attraction for any New Orleans Visit. The literal translation of Café Du Monde means “Coffee of the World”.

Friday, February 1, 2019

Be My Valentine (2013) Hallmark Movie Review starring William Baldwin

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it is befitting that we should review a movie entitled "Be My Valentine".

Of course, this is a sappy romantic movie with the perfect ending. After all, isn't a sweet love story exactly what we are all seeking for Valentines?

So, why not go ahead and tell you now, this is it!

William Baldwin might not be as well known his brother, Alec, but he is every bit as likeable. Perhaps, even more so. His role in this movie as a single father actually makes him very endearing. We see his playful side as well as his sensitive side. But, mostly we see a father who loves his son and is willing to help him in ways that might normally be considered a mother's job.

Oh, and one more important thing, the fact that it is a Hallmark channel movie ensures us that the movie is appropriate for any age to view.

Be My Valentine (2013) Hallmark Movie

Be My Valentine on DVD,
Prime Video or Hallmark ChannelCheck PriceFirefighter, Dan Farrell (William Baldwin), believes all of the embers of love were completely doused for him when his wife died. But, fear not, he is good-natured and happy as a single father. His daily focus is on his son and his job. He is definitely not looking for romance when cupid smacks him upside his head.

Kate Burlington (Natalie Brown) plans to spend Valentine's Day with old movies and comfort food. Still feeling the sting of a failed relationship, Kate isn't looking for anyone special. She is not even interested in having a date for Valentines. However, when a small fire breaks out in her flower shop, she comes face to face with someone very special indeed. The mutual interest is immediately ignited between Dan and Kate.

As they spend time together, they find they have a lot in common. Therefore, a friendship between them just seems natural. It isn't until Kate's ex shows up that this new relationship is challenged to the extreme. After all, Kate had wanted to marry Gavin and it was his lack of commitment that caused the breakup. Now, Gavin is back and wants to get married.

Ok, so the movie is probably "cheesy" and a bit predictable, but it is also still adorable. A sweet love story for Valentine's Day for sure!