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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On the beach...

Sorry I have been a terrible blogger this week. I have so much going on and so many balls in the air, blogging is unfortunately an effort I just don't feel like I have time for right now.  I am moving from the beach, just down the road a bit but not across the street from the beach (boo hoo).  I have also become a landlord, so this is new and a little scary but exciting for me. I am taking this week to move slowly since my landlord said I could take some extra time.  My lease is up May 15th, but he is not holding me to this, which is great. Whew! Its been a helluva year for me but I am on to bigger and better things. Thank you for sticking with me. I thought I would post a couple of my beach photos - I will miss this place - it is also the place where I lost my best friend, my cat Scooter in December, so its bittersweet.

My beloved little friend Scooter, I miss you!!

(all images by me)

On the beach in Downeast Maine -

I will be back soon! 

Take care and please stop by! 

xoxo

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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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Tea with the Queen...

It is Jubilee Sunday and I will be enjoying the festivities via TV and will drink from the lovely cup I bought when I was over there last month. It is a beautiful Royal Stafford, made in Great Britain mug with 'ER' and the dates of her reign on it.  Also included are pics from my trip to the Isle of Wight, which I loved. Happy Jubilee Sunday!  Don't forget to enter my giveaway here: Crafty giveaway - only open until tomorrow night!

 

I don't have Picnik anymore, can anyone suggest a good free substitute??

Have a great day everyone!

(images by me)

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Loving the pin...

OMG, I have discovered PINTEREST, as I'm sure most of you have and I didn't think it would happen to me, then BAM - I am officially hooked. What a great place where there are SO many gorgeous images, its overwhelming.  So, in honor of the holiday, here are some of those pix for your eyes to feast on - I am officially on vacation now until January 3rd so, I plan on gettting lots of sleep...what are your plans??

via

via

via

via

Pinterest, you have me now...gorgeous Christmas-y photos for you to enjoy -

See you tomorrow!

For information about my decorating services, please email me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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Fall foliage is here...

I took some pix around my town yesterday when I was out for a walk. The colors are starting to come out and pretty soon, it will be a real riot of color.  These colors are such great inspiration for home decor...some snaps below:

I love this one...didn't need any 'picniking'...;-)

The colors will really start changing in the next few days...

Have a great Wednesday!

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

For information and pricing for my decorating services, please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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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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