Showing posts with label Trends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trends. Show all posts

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Our Pet Kitties: A Beautiful Poem Written for Cats by AI

 


In the heart of a bustling cityscape,
Where honking horns and sirens wail,
Two feline souls, Katcha and Chai,
Embarked on a journey, a feline tale.

From New York's streets, so bright and grand,
They bid farewell to the lights and sway,
With twitching whiskers and paws in hand,
They headed back to sweet home Chicago way.

In Central Park, where dreams take flight,
Katcha chased pigeons with wild delight,
While Chai lounged on windowsills high,
Gazing at the skyscrapers reaching the sky.

But now they tread on Chicago's ground,
A new adventure, familiar sights surround,
They stroll along the windy shores of the lake,
Marveling at the beauty, their spirits awake.

Katcha pounces on autumn leaves,
Chai dances through the snowflakes,
Their playful antics weave tales of glee,
As they settle in this city, their hearts awake.

The windy city's breeze whispers their names,
As they explore its neighborhoods and lanes,
From Lincoln Park to the Magnificent Mile,
They find comfort and joy with every mile.

In moonlit nights, they roam the streets,
Through alleyways and beneath city lights,
Katcha and Chai, their bond grows strong,
In the heart of Chicago, where they belong.

So here they are, these feline friends,
Katcha and Chai, their story transcends,
A tale of love, of homecoming sweet,
In Chicago's embrace, their souls meet









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Sunday, April 14, 2019

Kitchen Renovation: Bold Backsplash Tiles from Floor & Decor

pc: Floor & Decor, Panda tiles
The search for the perfect kitchen backsplash! 

Unlike trending- design articles, I wanted colorful and/or bold.
Hubby loved the 17 x 17 inch mod blue tiles we found at Floor & Decor. Likewise!



 I thought it a better choice than the large black and white "Panda" tile he also wanted. Far toooooooo bold for even me, but stunning nonetheless. 



pc: Floor & Decor



pc: Domino Magazine
Floor & Decor
pc: Houzz

luv these porcelain tiles!













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Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Kitchen Renovation: Chambers Retro Refrigerator

I wanted this color (champagne=biscuit=cream).  However, dear Hubby wanted RED (bordeaux) .. a-la the beautiful Schaub Lorenz fridge at our son's apartment in Europe.  

Chambers fridge with bottom freezer, price $2399 and LOWE's had it discounted. Free shipping too.  Sold! 

pics by Chambers Appliances

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Design: What's In, What's Out in 2019

These 2 Decor Trends Won’t Survive 2019, According to Zillow - Domino Magazine


If you’ve been feeling design fatigue, you’re not alone: Whether it’s Millennial Pink or the contemporary farmhouse trend that’s got you craving something different, this year is guaranteed to bring a change in pace. According to ZILLOW's latest report, overly rustic and boldly colored palettes are the two trends that are best left in 2018. The trends that will replace them offer plenty of style in a subtler package.


Replacing explicitly  rustic farmhouse design will be a movement toward more industrial styles: think concrete and metal, as opposed to reclaimed wood. That’s not to say that there will be a push away from handcrafted design—rather, the opposite. Hand-painted and hand-stitched decorative objects will bring warmth to more modern styles. Consider how a natural fiber wall hanging can cozy up a room filled with sleeker finishes. In 2019, it’s all about balance, rather than leaning far in either direction.

Although Pantone's  color of the year is a vivid hue, Zillow predicts that consumers will prefer more calming color schemes like earth tones and cool blues. Also aligned with that will be an increased emphasis on taking time and space to disconnect. After all, the home is a place where you can wind down—it might as well make you feel perfectly at ease.
uncovered light bulb is out!
pc: filipthedesigner





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Saturday, December 22, 2018

Survey: Costs of Home Renovations in Year 2017

Per survey below as compared to costs of  our 2018 projects: We are long-term homeowners, above the median of $15k, but not in the 90th percentile in spending.

We went over our budget, eeek.
We tried to be careful: prioritizing in repairing/replacing what was most decrepit. At the end we did not have even enough for a new driveway (among the top 5 priority list at the beginning of our renovation journey).  May the Lord God provide in Year 2019!

Instead, we gave preference to renovating our floating-steps staircase. The stairs are the first things seen as the front doors open.  It connects the upstairs to the downstairs, and since much of the first and second floor areas got renovated, well,  you get my (matchy-matchy) drift ...

Click on Houzz link below for the cost survey.



Every way of a man is right 
in his own eyes: 
but the Lord 
pondereth the hearts.
Proverbs 21:2




a penny for your thoughts, kitty kat



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Friday, November 2, 2018

Home Renovation: Trendy Home Features to Avoid

vessel sink
House Beautiful did an article listing the popular Home-feature trends that are in reality a pain-in-the-butt to maintain.

 So glad I didn't fall for most on the list, but I did succumb to a couple.


Here's one to which I can attest.  I'd still purchased it, though:


Clawfoot Tubs
Vintage tubs look fantastic, but they are often have a non-porous surface that requires careful cleaning. On top of that, the high sides can also be a hazard when stepping out of the bath. If you add on a shower, you'll need to buy multiple shower curtains to keep the water where it should be. -- House Beautiful
We bought a brand-new clawfoot tub that has not been too hard to keep clean.  But I agree with the tub's high side that must be carefully regarded and manoeuvred whether you're going in or getting out. The process can only become more difficult the older one gets. Thus far, the hand-rail and little step-stool have helped.

True, we've also had to purchase two shower curtains to cover both front and back sides of the free-standing tub if the shower head is turned on and used. The curtains are not needed for soaking in the tub. 


In addition: 
- There is additional effort needed to reach and clean underneath the tub. Dust bunnies are having a ball. The cat(s) find the area a great hiding place. Thus, Swiffer is now our bathroom BFF and must be used daily.

- More water is necessary to fill the tub. It's a soaking tub, after all. 



- wikipedia



Trendy But a Pain to Upkeep

History: Bath Tubs

Bathroom: 20 Easy Upgrades

These Colors Will Increase the Value of Your Home


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