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Last week, I glanced out the window to discover two spaceships hovering over Merritt College, just down the hill from us. I walked out on our deck and snapped this photo. It only took a minute to wonder if Scotty would beam me up. Well, that didn't happened but I did daydream about buying a spectacular umbrella for our deck. Fortunately, this Memorial Day weekend, most all are on sale. Let's take a look at some dreamy patio umbrellas. santabarbaradesigns.com Santa Barbar

At the pump getting gas on Friday. I looked around and thought, "Gee, this has got to be one of the prettiest shopping centers around." Right here in Alameda, CA. An island beach town in the Bay Area just twenty minutes from home. So, here's the view from the gas station and beyond the shopping center is the San Francisco Bay and its pretty beach. After getting gas, I wandered through the open air shopping center. While there are 70 stores and 15 restaurants, I mostl

Every been in a restaurant when it turns "Happy Hour?" You notice the mood instantly changes as everyone is ready for fun. Whenever I'm having a Bad Hair Day, my cure is always a personal Happy Hour. Of course, I'm hopeless addicted to interiors; so for me, this hour is all about decorating. In this series, we'll look at some quick and happy mood changers for our very own Happy Hour. Each should take about an hour - a mere 60 minutes - to perk up our minds and our rooms.

Happy Mother's Day to you! prettytwinkledesign.com Here's hoping you're having a relaxing day! prettytwinkledesign.com Do you like pretty rooms? For me, a pretty room is like a peony. Soft colors, a bit ruffly, feminine. Turns out, I don't live in pretty rooms. Once upon a time, in a little cottage in Portland, OR, I had a pretty bedroom - all in pale pink with curtains of pink cabbage roses. Very girly. As I got older, I realized pretty rooms just aren't me. Come to

If you asked me what one piece of furniture could almost change your life, I'd know my answer. Something that draws people together while looking sculptural, organic. So appealing and comfy and sexy. Oh, it might not actually change our lives, but it certainly would change the look of a room. Consider the curved sofa. Let's take a look. house+home.com In this craftsmen-style living room, a curved sofa breaks the angle barrier. It's unexpected and and oh, so modern.