Finally...Instagram...

Finally, I have Instagram and thought I would share some pictures I have been taking today.  I have been really terrible about posting, but, I am working full time now and just don't have the time I used to.  I am 'out of the groove' so to speak.

I hope everyone is enjoying spring here in this part of the world, though I know, Down Under its fall.

Have a great weekend!

Lots of flowers on my walks and interesting architecture -

also my Dad's cute cat named 'Little' -

I know I'm late to the Instagram game, but, I'm loving it!

(images by me)

If you need help with any decorating scheme, please contact me

at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Sunday around the cottage...

Happy Sunday! Its been a beautiful weekend here in New England and the sun is shining again so I will be going for a walk soon.  Nothing earth-shaking here, I just want to share my little purchase yesterday and what I had for breakfast today. Since the mornings are cooler, I thought I would buy myself some electrical heat to save money on propane and this little beauty was less than $70.00, so its a bargain, looks great and really works. See for yourself -

My little fireplace with simulated flames - from here

for similar - it heats up to 400 square feet

Stonewall Kitchen Pumpkin pancakes, Pure Maine Maple Syrup

and Britain's No. 1 tea - PG Tips -

YUM!!! Pancakes were delicious! 

Scooter hiding in the fireplace box...

Scenes from my week -Lake at the end of the day -

Waning sun...

Serenity...

(all images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

Hope you enjoyed my little photo essay and now time for a brisk walk!

Have a great SUNDAY and week!!

Thanks for stopping by - ;-))

If you need help decorating your home or office, I offer VirtualDecor via the internet

to give you the best consultation and design. Please feel free to email

me for pricing and new client discounts at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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5 MORE TIPS for downsizing...

WHEN IN DOUBT, TAKE IT OUT -

Michael Taylor, the iconic interior designer credited with originating the 'California' look - light, bright and breezy in the '70's. He lived by this and its an adage we should all consider doing on a daily basis. 


Here are another 5 tips for your notebook:

1. Take all your old towels (you know you have them) and sheets to an animal shelter or hospital or find a drop-off for animal shelters that are always looking for old towels, comforters, blankets and sheets for their sick pets. This goes for pet food and toys too.

Lucy says 'donate now!!' and thank you...

Scooter says 'do the right thing and give us your old linens!'

...and thank you...

2. Got old 8 tracks?? Some of the younger bloggers won't know what the heck those are, but, they HAVE to go!!  Tapes? forget it...old movies on VHS? fuggedaboutit! (as they say in Jersey) -these
are great donations to a library, hospital or school...(in some cases, just chuck 'em out please)...

3. CLOTHES, uh-oh, this is a biggie and almost warrants its own column...If you haven't worn something for 3 months to a year, its time to go. It may look pretty on the hanger, but, really, its just decoration at this point. This goes for handbags, shoes and winter boots as well as winter coats or any kind of coats. Dress for Success (helping women look great for job interviews) Drama clubs, Goodwill, Salvation Army and various other charities are always looking for clothing. If you have a lot, fill out a tax form and collect at the end of the year.

This is a hat you may want to toss...a bit 

outdated don't you think??

(image)

4.  TOILETRIES - this is another big one. If you are like me, you collect hair and skin products just because you can and because you got a 'deal.' Well, truly how many mousses can one possibly use?? When not in use, these bottles are taking up precious real estate in the bathroom, linen closet or perhaps its spread to the bedroom. This is not good. The best place for these? How about a women's shelter? These products are great for women who have left abusive husbands or partners etc. who want to not only look good, but feel good.

(image)

5. PHOTOGRAPHS - this is another big one for us older bloggers. If you have hundreds, maybe thousands of photos like I did, I literally grabbed a glass of wine, plunked down on my living room floor and went through boxes of photos that took an entire afternoon. I threw out mostly scenic shots (you know 10 pictures of the Eiffel Tower or Leaning Tower of Pisa can only go so far, they're all the same!) and filled a Hefty garbage bag that was so heavy I could barely lift it.  I only kept those pictures that are meaningful and they are now downsized and organized accordingly in shoeboxes or similarly sized boxes. I felt great when I was done, because they were sitting in storage for the better part of 8 years. What good is that? 


BONUS FENG SHUI TIP: putting pictures of deceased relatives around the house or on your walls means that even in the spiritual world, they are actively looking out for you and protecting you. It can only be good. 

Should this stay or should it go?? Probably a keeper since its 

the Juliana and went down the Thames today carrying the Olympic torch!!

So, if you really can't part with certain things, put it all in a box, close it and check

back in a month or two...you won't even remember what's in there. So, like Michael

Taylor, when in doubt, take it out!!

(images by me unless noted)

Happy Olympics! Will you be watching the Opening Ceremony? I will so 

enjoy! 

LONDON 2012

Please contact me for interest in advertising or interior styling, cleaning out, organizing or choosing

paint color or art work for your home at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Photography and editing...

So, I had to replace photo editing with Picnik since they closed shop and I just found Fotoflexer a few days ago. Have any of you tried this?  I just edited three photos I want to share with you. One features fabulous blogger, Anne Harwell's print that I purchased and framed. You may recognize it - I have another one I will share soon too when I have mastered this Fotoflexer. What do you think? 

I featured this the other day, but wanted to edit it - I think it 

looks better now -

My yellow chair is REALLY yellow and I tried to 

highlight this - the pillow looks fab with it!

This has the 'Lomo-ish' effect that I love - note the Anne Harwell

print - Ginger Jar - and my little stuffed animal from

childhood named 'Fluffy' - I love him!

and you can just see my 'House of Eliot' DVD that I am 

totally obsessed with...I wish I could dress the way

the women did in the 1920's...so chic with hats and gloves 

all the time...the other print is an antique shop find...

Hope you all have a great weekend! I will be back!

;-))

(images by me for Monaco Interiors)

If you need assistance styling any room in your home including kitchen or bath, please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com for pricing and availability.

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Photo studio favorites...

I just can't resist...Scooter is so photogenic and I got some great pictures earlier this month of him - he rarely stays still, so I just kept snapping...

Cats are such beautiful creatures...Hope you have a great Friday!!

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

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Sherwin Williams series...

I love color decks and samples of paint colors and thought these Sherwin Williams colors, in particular turquoise and orange, look beautiful together...and I love this combination. What are your favorite color combinations to work with?

The green is beautiful too in this series...do share your color combination favorites! Any plans today? I will be visiting a friend for lunch...hope you have a great day!

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

Need help decorating? Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com and we can discuss what your plans are. No matter where you are in the world, I can assist with any project large or small.

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A close up of...

Scooter the cat! When I got roses last Saturday, Scooter wanted to get close to the flowers in my little photo studio and as you can see, posing ensued! I just started snapping since he hardly sits still when I want a photo! I was thrilled with the results. Thank you for visiting and welcome new followers this week!! I so appreciate your support -

I know I'm biased, but what a cute subject!!

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

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Wicked weather...

This is what we are dealing with today in New England! Worked from home today with little Scooter as my office assistant!!

The neighborhood...buried!

My front steps...buried...

View out my kitchen window...check out that icicle! its HUGE!!!

Ditto...

My back deck only has about 6-8" of snow to go before it totally disappears!!! Hope you are all enjoying the week, though, I know most of the country is blanketed by this storm...stay safe and warm!!

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

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Birthday flowers...

Well, I turned another year older March 19th and was given these gorgeous flowers! I love the colors - they are so pretty and brighten the day!

Which colors are your favorite or do you love them all???

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

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BYW...tea for two...

More shots of the teapot and cup & saucer...I did adjust the lighting on these on my computer a bit...this was so much fun putting together! Thanks again to Leslie of 'A Creative Mint'...

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