I Need This...So Do You!

I was on Facebook the other night and saw that one of my friends posted a pic of this new "thingie" called the Nest.  I never heard of it and was curious as to what it was and to my surprise, its something that I NEED.  Something everyone NEEDS.

It turns out that about 50% of our energy bill stems from our heating/cooling.  With a properly programmed thermostat, you can save up to 20% on your monthly energy bill.  Do you have your thermostat properly programmed??  I for sure DON'T!

The Nest is a thermostat that is made with advance technology to "learn" about your temperature settings and patterns throughout the day.

As soon as I learned about this amazing energy AND money saving technology, I immediately put my name on the list to order one for my apartment.  You can too by going to the Nest's website.

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami

Magazine Shopping....

As a designer, I get dozens of design catalogues where you can call and order pieces over the phone or shop online.  Usually these catalogues are cheesy and not my style so I instinctively toss them in the recycling but after coming home from my vacation in the Bahamas, I was very surprised to see some great pieces and accessories in these usually dreadful catalogues.

The style and inventory of Serena & Lilly has done a complete 180 and I am kinda excited about it.  Here are some of my favorite pieces.

Kyoto Block Print Pillows

Darjeeling Console

Heenie Chair

Raja Stool

Coco Play Table and Stools

Marmont Pendant

Birds Nest Hanging Lamp

Pretty great stuff, right?  

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami

Inspired by...Living Green-An Earthy Space

Greetings everyone!  Each week I will share some green living inspirations.  All furniture/accessories/elements of a space will be "green."  Going green doesn't mean going bland.

This week I am inspired by a earthy/natural feeling in a space.  There is nothing more natural then using materials in their raw form.  When I think of an earthy space, I think of wood, neutral tones, green tones, bringing the outdoors to an indoor space, and a sense of calmness.  Check out some elements I would use in creating an eco-friendly earthy area.

The Eco Sectional Sleeper.  I love the look and the dual colors of this sofa.  The loose back pillows, bolsters, and high arm rests makes you feel like you want to melt away in that couch.

Wood framed made of certified sustainable wood and water-based wood finishes.  Cushions/pillows filling is made of recycled fiber and soy-based filling.  Upholstered in organic cotton and linen blend.

Wood Cube Tables.  This is an obvious one.  Anything that is made of wood just exudes the feeling of nature.

via

Butaca Chair.  

Cushions upholstered in organic grown cotton fabric or reclaimed jute coffee sacks.

 With all the natural tones in my imaginary space, it is always good to add a pop of color.  

via

Chain link rug.  I am OBSESSED with this rug.  Not only do I love the tone-on-tone but I love the modernness of the rug.  Mixing styles such as natural and modern is a great way to create an 2012 look without being too dominated by one style.

Rug is made in Massachusetts.  Made of wool fibers and colored by water-based all natural dyes. 

via

Funky accessory.  I love throwing in accessories or items that are unexpected in a space.  

Vintage jar rack.

via

Terrariums.  My absolute favorite

How cool would this coffee table be?

via

...for another pop of color that is complimentary to the greys, neutrals, and blue.  Plus a lil bit of storage

Locally made from Madison, Wisconsin (go Badgers) with all natural materials.  These guys are pretty cool.

via

I could go on and on with this natural green living inspiration.  It's a good one.  Stay tuned for next weeks Green Living Inspiration with a completely different style!

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami

Dream House...What I Am Dreaming Of This Week

Ahhhh, kitchens.  Known as the heart of the home.  Kitchens are hands down the most important and complex room in a home.  My fantasy kitchen is obviously made of the best of the best appliances, cabinetry, and hardware.  I could blog and blog about all the little details I fantasize about my dream kitchen, but I am a busy girl so here is the gist of what I envision.  

Inspiration: an industrial commercial kitchen

Concrete/super thick countertops.  

Industrial light fixtures.

Stainless steel shelving

Dimensional tile like this for the backsplash.  Not in this color

Kitchen island made of a different material, reclaimed wood to be specific.

Dark sleek/hidden cabinets that have very minimal detail.

A wall that is completely made of large custom-sized windows is on the list.

A RAD reclaimed wood table with...

...these chairs.

You feelin it?  I sure am...one day.

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami

If They (NBC) Can Do It...So Can You!

I recently discovered NBCUniversal has taken a great initiative to go green.  I was very surprised that a multi-billion dollar company would really go above and beyond in supporting and promoting the importance of sustainability.

"NBCUniversal is making a commitment to sustainability across the entire company. Our Green is Universal initiative is focused on bringing an environmental perspective to everything we do, informing and entertaining our audiences while driving more sustainable practices into our own operations...Our Green Is Universal initiative translates our environmental commitment into action. It identifies ways to “walk the talk” and integrate sustainability across our span of businesses, in front of the camera as well as behind it."  via

From theme parks in Orlando to production houses across the country, NBC is persistant in practicing business in the most sustainable ways.  Saving tens of thousands gallons of water to building facilities that are solar/wind powered, NBC is setting the best example of how companies should take initiative.

NBCUniversal has also developed a few Apps for your iPhone that offer great green tips as well as guiding you to be green based on your surroundings.  iShop Green is an app that offers an abundance of information of sustainability.  The app can tell you where to go in your neighborhood to purchase a local/green product or material.  The latest Green related articles and living tips are literally at the tip of your fingers.  

I have this app and I use it everyday, multiple times a day.  

Download the app and you will see that being Green isn't such a hard thing!

Thank you, NBCUniversal for taking the billions of dollars you earn and reinvesting $$$ back to Mother Earth!  For more information (and believe me, there is a TON) on NBCUniversal check out their website greenisuniversal.com.

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami

MLK

Everyone should take a minute today and appreciate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his courageous  fight for freedom and equality.

Why I Love Reclaimed Wood!

To me, nothing is more beautiful when it comes to reclaimed wood.  Reclaimed wood means the lumber is taken for re-use.  Most reclaimed lumber comes from timbers and decking reused from old barns, factories, and warehouses.  This type of wood is primarily used for decoration and home building as well as siding, architectural details, cabinetry, furniture and flooring.

For one of my projects I've been looking for some great reclaimed wood shelving.  I came across a local  company based out of Missouri who does phenomenal work!  I am very excited to work with them in creating the perfect shelving unit as well as doing business with them in the future.  Take a peek at some of their projects.

I'm obsessed with anything that is natural and even better, recycled.  Reclaimed lumber gives a space a definite "wow" factor and is simply original.  Stay tuned to see my completed project made with reclaimed wood!

LIVE WELL.  LIVE PURE.

sami