tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62792082823021359642024-02-07T07:50:20.235-06:00Live Well. Live Pure.Making sustainable design accessible one home at a timeSami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-43831374872106629092012-04-18T10:40:00.000-05:002012-04-18T10:40:01.382-05:00EARTH WEEK WEDNESDAY: Green Home of the WeekFrom now on, I am going to feature each week a Green home. I am obsessed with Dwell Magazine and read every issue cover to cover and can't get over how breath taking some of these off the grid homes are. So this week is a small family beach home in the beautiful Montauk, New York.<br />
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Green features such as a prefabricated foundation and a geothermal heating and cooling system are buried below ground. Nontoxic finishes and passive systems inside the home add to its sustainable credit and helped keep the project on budget. The result is an elegant beach house that is perfect in tune with its environment. <br />
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Side view of the house which is landscaped with native plants and trees.</div>
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Bedroom with retracting doors to create outdoor space into a larger living space </div>
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A kitchen I drool over</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWe9vAfn8ZGetfh3DnAkJE1V9aRRSLZrNwFTH-C76xikSmlCRlE-W1LrBpU73fVzIIvG61AMObPgvT2xRLVjf3KY7aXkJEcz4jRtC89LbTCZ2EFs2xFQaO-xMyiKuIkl0rppmoiV_6-dX-/s1600/dwell7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWe9vAfn8ZGetfh3DnAkJE1V9aRRSLZrNwFTH-C76xikSmlCRlE-W1LrBpU73fVzIIvG61AMObPgvT2xRLVjf3KY7aXkJEcz4jRtC89LbTCZ2EFs2xFQaO-xMyiKuIkl0rppmoiV_6-dX-/s640/dwell7.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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Beautiful hallway made from sustainable and certified wood</div>
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All I can say is...a prefab home will be in my future. </div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
<br />Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-58005430029522803642012-04-17T14:25:00.000-05:002012-04-17T14:25:48.980-05:00Earth Week Continued...Solar Powered...what?!?!Earth Week continued!!<br />
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Solar Power is becoming more popular and somewhat mainstreamed in today's world. I cam across some interesting solar powered gadgets that are out on the market today. Check 'em out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwAdBQWoB71OSXaqWPw6Ym8RIscvXP_7kd-79Lg75-Q4zGBTmnTYtV-LIWeZR34Pl_ZASSWs33tDgf8X20p5ngYvMaL_mSDIASwsjwr0JoDsiWE8OFYq6aGqSaKZOKnjGhSJ-lcntjDCN/s1600/cellphone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwAdBQWoB71OSXaqWPw6Ym8RIscvXP_7kd-79Lg75-Q4zGBTmnTYtV-LIWeZR34Pl_ZASSWs33tDgf8X20p5ngYvMaL_mSDIASwsjwr0JoDsiWE8OFYq6aGqSaKZOKnjGhSJ-lcntjDCN/s640/cellphone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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cell phone charger</div>
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<a href="http://www.sexygadgets.net/2008/12/31/icharge-eco-a-solar-powered-cell-phone-charger/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDSP6bfhJTmzK1oi5jfRPrKN3-EpHEx0NMnghRKJbIJBc1hdGAFkReKHlYojUqLtwxY10W4GRKNWXqe3agj5OdyOsdPGULM_qTEDrc5FIc0-C_prgIUf29_aRECkmPpnwLsgLjIlv-pK_/s1600/solarbackpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDSP6bfhJTmzK1oi5jfRPrKN3-EpHEx0NMnghRKJbIJBc1hdGAFkReKHlYojUqLtwxY10W4GRKNWXqe3agj5OdyOsdPGULM_qTEDrc5FIc0-C_prgIUf29_aRECkmPpnwLsgLjIlv-pK_/s640/solarbackpack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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solar powered backpacks to charge accessories</div>
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<a href="http://ecogadget.net/2007/12/12/portable-power-6-solar-powered-backpacks/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15Ib76IJEKbqpAAhfh-wo_r6NYS-Z5mhDt0MZTD7NNpMoxcPabpDUJ2ZwS7nJn4KGAUkV6vZ0YEN42V9w-x6zojsAcSnDrWAlg8aQCX6j7XrTdVa-rRKGpC56TVA9fYxmsUcAsNpDoRge/s1600/solar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15Ib76IJEKbqpAAhfh-wo_r6NYS-Z5mhDt0MZTD7NNpMoxcPabpDUJ2ZwS7nJn4KGAUkV6vZ0YEN42V9w-x6zojsAcSnDrWAlg8aQCX6j7XrTdVa-rRKGpC56TVA9fYxmsUcAsNpDoRge/s640/solar1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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solar powered tree </div>
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<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/10-strange-solar-powered-gadgets.html">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Mydpe3lejd_mMi2FWkx_bVGHzlcaf8LGQBzc9uqQqlYUdprg4-_ul11u8G4h2WECgkZ8KHm2dPuF9M171OJLiyNYsHxNSdOpgFFipWdsCGD6Wh6p3Hnb7yrnIvz3gfngVASdxL-BSstb/s1600/solar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Mydpe3lejd_mMi2FWkx_bVGHzlcaf8LGQBzc9uqQqlYUdprg4-_ul11u8G4h2WECgkZ8KHm2dPuF9M171OJLiyNYsHxNSdOpgFFipWdsCGD6Wh6p3Hnb7yrnIvz3gfngVASdxL-BSstb/s640/solar2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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solar powered toys like this "spider"</div>
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<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/10-strange-solar-powered-gadgets.html">via</a></div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
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<br />Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-66451741692279230302012-04-16T12:06:00.000-05:002012-04-16T12:06:55.596-05:00HAPPY EARTH WEEK!Monday April 16th marks the beginning of Earth Week! This week each blog post will be dedicated to Green Design and ways to live a more sustainable life. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMc-vY_MlAkhPyIOMCxOZ3TVtyfhholholunJmWW7dBtSgCsB2fXIBzlGwEodqimWmtBKB6fgRhK9fG4tt-5a4SkvPNqKlwFOt8VpZ7xD1cE6LKX0y4wEUOgxVOAmA9xZiQrPzoP8FCULb/s1600/earthweek.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMc-vY_MlAkhPyIOMCxOZ3TVtyfhholholunJmWW7dBtSgCsB2fXIBzlGwEodqimWmtBKB6fgRhK9fG4tt-5a4SkvPNqKlwFOt8VpZ7xD1cE6LKX0y4wEUOgxVOAmA9xZiQrPzoP8FCULb/s640/earthweek.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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An easy way to be Green is to REUSE anything and everything as much as possible! If you think about what it is that you are throwing away, you may find that some of your trash may be someone else's treasure. Here are some simple ways to reuse:</div>
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*Since plastic grocery bags can't be recycled, take them back to the store and use them to bag new groceries. I reuse these plastic bags for poop bags when I walk my pup!</div>
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*Don't throw away old books!!! Donate them to libraries or school programs!</div>
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*Instead of using disposable paper towels, use rags, sponges or towels to clean up messes or for your everyday cleaning. I ONLY use towels/rags and it makes such a difference!</div>
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*Save plastic containers that you get when you order take-out or delivery. They can be repurposed to store leftovers!</div>
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*When Spring cleaning-out your closet, don't throw away old clothes, donate them!</div>
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There are such simple ways to reuse "trash" that easily accumulates throughout your home. If you follow these simple steps you will see a very noticeable difference in the amount of trash you collect. So, REUSE, REUSE, REUSE!!!</div>
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Happy Earth Week!!!</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-53616192373904593542012-03-16T08:18:00.000-05:002012-03-16T08:18:43.094-05:00Get Down on the Flo'A trend in upholstered couches that I've seen in the last year is ultra-low couches. I am not the biggest fan for the sole fact that the function isn't so functional. Yes, the low couches look ultra chic and unique but let's be honest, you are basically sitting on the floor. Sitting down and getting up from these couches could start becoming a challenge as well as an inconvenience. I do, however, admire the risk and originality of these sofas...<br />
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<a href="http://lignerosetchicago.com/">Linge Roset</a></div>
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<a href="http://lignerosetchicago.com/">Linge Roset</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.roche-bobois.com/">Roche Bobois</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.roche-bobois.com/">Roche Bobois</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8O8eMXGg-IDQRfodvDnl5ZHXcCX7fU9wJYNaJhrpKcArPvI2KooVYKznJkx_Wt27TwupdCsuGbRgymXVbCIsvacW8uQZkli_Kv4kJVgS8KllxnSAUPNR9XwmqWPBbZPo0TF9yil6Ri_B/s1600/restorationhardware.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8O8eMXGg-IDQRfodvDnl5ZHXcCX7fU9wJYNaJhrpKcArPvI2KooVYKznJkx_Wt27TwupdCsuGbRgymXVbCIsvacW8uQZkli_Kv4kJVgS8KllxnSAUPNR9XwmqWPBbZPo0TF9yil6Ri_B/s640/restorationhardware.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?link=SohoTufted&categoryId=cat1580034">Restoration Hardware</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU5bd9g7Sbf8wJgr1hLd7PxkX_cQxFEVftJ-kxSJYMrQPHK33V13fkiFNXutQCHmjM9aCWpVErCbjan0ESqesTmNkmLrpn7uPerqps2ecYqaoydzQBmXnm_R9lTUPjwofOOdLeVh9x0bX/s1600/cb2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU5bd9g7Sbf8wJgr1hLd7PxkX_cQxFEVftJ-kxSJYMrQPHK33V13fkiFNXutQCHmjM9aCWpVErCbjan0ESqesTmNkmLrpn7uPerqps2ecYqaoydzQBmXnm_R9lTUPjwofOOdLeVh9x0bX/s640/cb2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cb2.com/">CB2</a></div>
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Can you imagine your grandmother/grandfather getting in and out of these couches??? I sure can't! LOL. As a designer who designs with function, I wouldn't recommend anyone in purchasing these couches. </div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
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<br /></div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-89753301415651264622012-03-15T10:50:00.000-05:002012-03-15T10:50:56.403-05:00HeadboardsI am in the process of purchasing a new headboard for my room. I have no idea what look I am going for...perhaps some of your comments may help.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAQsAEta9HRVjBUxIyIFVKohp0SVtthAzlxQgXRy5U3124wzXD-7Jiw_3wi2FricZqfalyfttfSE5mwetHWXENolaOLsk-0J7orjwVW_MMlF8cYE5jXMbmyyoMiL2OzMYLtD3clmqTpli/s1600/bed1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAQsAEta9HRVjBUxIyIFVKohp0SVtthAzlxQgXRy5U3124wzXD-7Jiw_3wi2FricZqfalyfttfSE5mwetHWXENolaOLsk-0J7orjwVW_MMlF8cYE5jXMbmyyoMiL2OzMYLtD3clmqTpli/s640/bed1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The simple but clean modern look...</div>
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<a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq-zmd9x2YbhSaFRwTe6ftop5cM-hYmjNoRKw6MXUJtBJ6UqqpgYklf0C45JTLd4emzsl8oz1NCnWt7abKAvClTVeEtLn5GZ9C84e4aw-oFIegCp0hz1rPjGA4RgPy1zVtDcJDVCs6gUe/s1600/bed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq-zmd9x2YbhSaFRwTe6ftop5cM-hYmjNoRKw6MXUJtBJ6UqqpgYklf0C45JTLd4emzsl8oz1NCnWt7abKAvClTVeEtLn5GZ9C84e4aw-oFIegCp0hz1rPjGA4RgPy1zVtDcJDVCs6gUe/s640/bed2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The tufted look...</div>
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<a href="http://www.jaysonhome.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8JTDxrOp15XUjzdowoSdkFT3tylu7xkCElbHVZrVFaAjmHAMYQbxQKAWYf5VCAue-Cy2OYjLYR2Gccr-iyAWQLLDeViYC_q28MdtOrQbtk7rTcFO80y8yD8hP9H5Veje52MpdNHoy5Tp/s1600/bed3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8JTDxrOp15XUjzdowoSdkFT3tylu7xkCElbHVZrVFaAjmHAMYQbxQKAWYf5VCAue-Cy2OYjLYR2Gccr-iyAWQLLDeViYC_q28MdtOrQbtk7rTcFO80y8yD8hP9H5Veje52MpdNHoy5Tp/s640/bed3.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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The scroll look in an unexpected color (not this hot pink)...</div>
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<a href="http://www.roomservicestore.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNT0cbsWHHpNrGN6kWJ6_JETzlrHVVT8sK1CybWACtbyK2bl8C6o8rgcT4RFCG7LtknD0ORams52mMsWFc4AoEP5H5PriabPHeuJqcX71yLlPinidS9hc37xHpWteASqlT2jOz3JVa6BU/s1600/bed4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNT0cbsWHHpNrGN6kWJ6_JETzlrHVVT8sK1CybWACtbyK2bl8C6o8rgcT4RFCG7LtknD0ORams52mMsWFc4AoEP5H5PriabPHeuJqcX71yLlPinidS9hc37xHpWteASqlT2jOz3JVa6BU/s640/bed4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The geometric nail-head look...</div>
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<a href="http://www.roomservicestore.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUnKCSezrPsyhCGqjrzSNN5Xw0zKX-X2BZtMM3UlFenarh5JSgs3on_RGaYen1q1xeGZSUWQyu5xSuu_BycrjHrODqRxgEX50mPTDB3icGSaaa8LdrCitnyALWZNU8MndFNK4P3O2AQi4/s1600/bed5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUnKCSezrPsyhCGqjrzSNN5Xw0zKX-X2BZtMM3UlFenarh5JSgs3on_RGaYen1q1xeGZSUWQyu5xSuu_BycrjHrODqRxgEX50mPTDB3icGSaaa8LdrCitnyALWZNU8MndFNK4P3O2AQi4/s640/bed5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The tall tufted headboard look...</div>
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<a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8P-8CzexRrGnSOBQabIadrm66E6Xh4SJcPzurnzOy8LeqTzfUShtvUlEp4zfag6-IH0XeSCvFd_zrPi_AfvBs0rWo741tLlW3wrudtyW7rj8t1JTZb7JnHOxG3HVL-S2bq7G3SWwV0DW/s1600/westelm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8P-8CzexRrGnSOBQabIadrm66E6Xh4SJcPzurnzOy8LeqTzfUShtvUlEp4zfag6-IH0XeSCvFd_zrPi_AfvBs0rWo741tLlW3wrudtyW7rj8t1JTZb7JnHOxG3HVL-S2bq7G3SWwV0DW/s640/westelm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The natural look....</div>
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<a href="http://www.westelm.com/?cm_type=gnav&cm_sp=GlobalLinks-_-Topnav-_-WestElmLogo">via</a></div>
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As a designer (and on somewhat of a budget), it is always the hardest to commit to just ONE piece when you know there is a world full of headboards out there. It is always easy to pick one for your clients but when it comes to yourself, that the hard part. So what look do you like??<br />
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-23850533414115099542012-03-12T10:23:00.000-05:002012-03-12T10:23:11.126-05:00Abaco UpCycles!As I am sure you have learned in my past blogs (<a href="http://livewelllivepure.blogspot.com/2011/06/bahama-mamas.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://livewelllivepure.blogspot.com/2011/08/hurricane-irene.html">here</a>) my family has a second home on the small island of Abaco in a town called Treasure Cay in the Bahamas. This so-called heaven on Earth is such a special place to me. Treasure Cay and all the towns/islands in the Abacos creates a lasting impression on all that come to visit. <br />
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I recently joined a group on Facebook that is dedicated to creatively recycling and repurposing things (or trash) found on the island. The group shares photos and ideas that I thought they were so creative, unique and fabulous, that I had to share with you all!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju8tb2vnhQzj-R5mhSMN4KTKIxPVQOvuHEbe2mmAevIGirviUVDjH2ezYg-rDGUIj8VMNMIIYsGNdzyU35pnM7kPlqo3m4cp4V346DN46SCmB8ly0CqEZ16EfmPdwpQ3RBeVyNchY_-0k/s1600/tcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju8tb2vnhQzj-R5mhSMN4KTKIxPVQOvuHEbe2mmAevIGirviUVDjH2ezYg-rDGUIj8VMNMIIYsGNdzyU35pnM7kPlqo3m4cp4V346DN46SCmB8ly0CqEZ16EfmPdwpQ3RBeVyNchY_-0k/s640/tcb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There really is no beach as beautiful as Treasure Cay.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIgsL7exlQmz_ttwDxh-IPkCqoCgIeS1qKu_73tBgJEOjtaf-1KOS3gmCQlmygohpPduDMhqqoVyA202w1LSVhKzNyvtgLsqv_l9analqZptkIkwetNVkjx562mZU-FyFK_c3BuZ0Oe1E/s1600/bathrub+pons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIgsL7exlQmz_ttwDxh-IPkCqoCgIeS1qKu_73tBgJEOjtaf-1KOS3gmCQlmygohpPduDMhqqoVyA202w1LSVhKzNyvtgLsqv_l9analqZptkIkwetNVkjx562mZU-FyFK_c3BuZ0Oe1E/s640/bathrub+pons.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Used bath tub turned into a pond.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAtW9eiX8O1yf3ZhU5DMGL8sgy_c8RsP28z6_bePI7nw1cX0iSvmyZCcO5YC9r-vq-LucbHqRfSQNLZiT6rfAQoLZXPu58LlSG5rgfXd5Z5n2dJE1QOQ4agbkGAN5pnSiArf4eASqPM4r/s1600/coffee+cans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAtW9eiX8O1yf3ZhU5DMGL8sgy_c8RsP28z6_bePI7nw1cX0iSvmyZCcO5YC9r-vq-LucbHqRfSQNLZiT6rfAQoLZXPu58LlSG5rgfXd5Z5n2dJE1QOQ4agbkGAN5pnSiArf4eASqPM4r/s640/coffee+cans.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Old coffee canisters as lanterns </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_PVP-MDgc1AazHYUdVfHUFY4aglXoMchSCLLVfRV6WrguPacs3JD5PVbf86R4fM2kvDM1RvpoMw_EL6vuq4-OdaDIvyFk0odxxb3L9ekTGmlR6iqy72Py777LphjxtBm3KaYlHbDz66Z/s1600/pallet+coffee+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_PVP-MDgc1AazHYUdVfHUFY4aglXoMchSCLLVfRV6WrguPacs3JD5PVbf86R4fM2kvDM1RvpoMw_EL6vuq4-OdaDIvyFk0odxxb3L9ekTGmlR6iqy72Py777LphjxtBm3KaYlHbDz66Z/s640/pallet+coffee+table.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pallet (which are EVERYWHERE) converted into a coffee table</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08_kvtBMjHF7hJMMBaRlrSiRVkNh_jo77VBSVDY9VTxcz8XKROvsbC8HdTOxIFVgpaufZROgAP593ylMVuXLoVXzpzzU-O4iTbKSOTbphB1z_RCRCQWu2hO9q6zKLe2c9KzlqMKG7vQVW/s1600/plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08_kvtBMjHF7hJMMBaRlrSiRVkNh_jo77VBSVDY9VTxcz8XKROvsbC8HdTOxIFVgpaufZROgAP593ylMVuXLoVXzpzzU-O4iTbKSOTbphB1z_RCRCQWu2hO9q6zKLe2c9KzlqMKG7vQVW/s400/plants.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Old buckets as upside-down planters</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzY1ppgDgwOsbTjWuRI5GV3HrPneeJXRyJeI2jrqlCBASFtiBh-f7OItgYozm83gunrl33OMpJvVTDxHlSbXwhgR6wYwiOQI0d6Aa7F_aMrtUriNO_NyahyphenhyphenvNY0oYDN_B4Zh2eLou2VAFj/s1600/relciamed+wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzY1ppgDgwOsbTjWuRI5GV3HrPneeJXRyJeI2jrqlCBASFtiBh-f7OItgYozm83gunrl33OMpJvVTDxHlSbXwhgR6wYwiOQI0d6Aa7F_aMrtUriNO_NyahyphenhyphenvNY0oYDN_B4Zh2eLou2VAFj/s640/relciamed+wood.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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More pallets used as shelving. So beautiful and natural</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUUKEutg_0m2FYAMLizRwf_NzzzQcRQEoFNkXq5t4VZsuWFl2Sql83d7FUVo5q3Tl7eVRZgFNLHqeiPcPNoLvuBWa3mCLoiKLupKfbOBFKXz_xYcjo7XUfUedL11RmduKiJtAMHbmIxaz/s1600/driftwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUUKEutg_0m2FYAMLizRwf_NzzzQcRQEoFNkXq5t4VZsuWFl2Sql83d7FUVo5q3Tl7eVRZgFNLHqeiPcPNoLvuBWa3mCLoiKLupKfbOBFKXz_xYcjo7XUfUedL11RmduKiJtAMHbmIxaz/s640/driftwood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Driftwood used as a canvas. Created and painted by our friend Clint Greene</div>
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Abaco UpCycles! makes me even more proud to belong to such an amazing and special community. I am very excited to get back to Treasure Cay and do some up-cycling of my own! <br />
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
<br />Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-38298685050620709382012-03-06T09:47:00.000-06:002012-03-06T09:47:56.816-06:00Funkin it UpI LOVE me some funky designs! Here are just a few that I found that I can't wait to use in my future projects and even in my own home. It takes a unique, bold, and daring individual to own these pieces. They are so f*cking cool! My new favorite design store.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwNpKNMJltwxoYMxlHYwpQgVAb9pQ32RAySS_h_HbhllNWleb_0e-IeShAuD1Mv-hkty7CgnrBTuBYDcycvMU1jb6w7Eju6JTsa3MOwbX3ykjn2FKp3_OMVLkGPs8dml4LxoEEhFifLr_/s1600/roomservice1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwNpKNMJltwxoYMxlHYwpQgVAb9pQ32RAySS_h_HbhllNWleb_0e-IeShAuD1Mv-hkty7CgnrBTuBYDcycvMU1jb6w7Eju6JTsa3MOwbX3ykjn2FKp3_OMVLkGPs8dml4LxoEEhFifLr_/s640/roomservice1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvjm1zrY57PEm4FAasTceB_d3LVA2Eg06hDIiM-Jrrvo_RvPjAlJHQVoyxExim22ZrO1ALd8ET2G3wDujuYk8kH_j5rv0AGPnKvB0-Le15uBUKQ3pvX7-YIE0FT26QvxFx2cgY-7HoPPo/s1600/roomservice2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvjm1zrY57PEm4FAasTceB_d3LVA2Eg06hDIiM-Jrrvo_RvPjAlJHQVoyxExim22ZrO1ALd8ET2G3wDujuYk8kH_j5rv0AGPnKvB0-Le15uBUKQ3pvX7-YIE0FT26QvxFx2cgY-7HoPPo/s640/roomservice2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Furniture pieces <a href="http://www.roomservicestore.com/index.html">via</a>. Aren't they sick?!?!?!?!?</div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-76478021141911462912012-03-05T08:18:00.000-06:002012-03-05T08:18:45.611-06:00Conscious ComfortFor a few of my projects I have been on the hunt for the perfect bedding. I found this great company called <a href="http://www.unisonhome.com/about-us">Unison</a> that manufactures cozy, modern and eco-friendly bedding. Conscious of their environmental impact and quality of product, Unison commits to manufacturing all of their bedding and blankets under <a href="http://www.oeko-tex.com/OekoTex100_PUBLIC/index.asp?cls=02">Oeko-tex</a> certified standards and uses certified organic fibers for their organic lines. Their signature hand-printed pillows and table linens are cut and sewn at small factories right here in Chicago. Now thats local!<br />
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Happy Sleeping!</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Lucida Grande', Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-51192147039059902442012-01-24T07:58:00.000-06:002012-01-24T07:58:29.522-06:00I 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. <br />
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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! <br />
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The Nest is a thermostat that is made with advance technology to "learn" about your temperature settings and patterns throughout the day.<br />
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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<a href="http://www.nest.com/"> website</a>.</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
<br />Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-33645782021389670302012-01-20T08:36:00.000-06:002012-01-20T08:36:30.635-06:00Magazine 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. <br />
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The style and inventory of <a href="http://www.serenaandlily.com/">Serena & Lilly</a> has done a complete 180 and I am kinda excited about it. Here are some of my favorite pieces.<br />
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Kyoto Block Print Pillows</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZMhxLJP3vjSoholmwHFmj35Nndn1FXpIEK_Aqsxb4Nzf3cgIrfcsxi_36AjiVB-Q0mSuovi6IIi3Aij3A_uTcSp-9i7QF1W3X1x2nlRNEMG7wWo9SK74mCeY3WR4pL1CHGJJSh0cGeTL/s1600/serena2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZMhxLJP3vjSoholmwHFmj35Nndn1FXpIEK_Aqsxb4Nzf3cgIrfcsxi_36AjiVB-Q0mSuovi6IIi3Aij3A_uTcSp-9i7QF1W3X1x2nlRNEMG7wWo9SK74mCeY3WR4pL1CHGJJSh0cGeTL/s400/serena2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Darjeeling Console</div>
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Heenie Chair</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71UL7FGPCHK9Gcf3j7vQ0WtF2IIfjvIqhopUBCPqe670DLNDskRhiazU5S8Zz4nkF7VQm-Fz_G0moLtVISrcwG1XryKkyDqscjVYxvHn6GzcPRSMQAKBjP2KleEzYdDNZjetFF6257nv9/s1600/serena4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71UL7FGPCHK9Gcf3j7vQ0WtF2IIfjvIqhopUBCPqe670DLNDskRhiazU5S8Zz4nkF7VQm-Fz_G0moLtVISrcwG1XryKkyDqscjVYxvHn6GzcPRSMQAKBjP2KleEzYdDNZjetFF6257nv9/s400/serena4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Raja Stool</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHHXvb-JbODq1e9_Q_fQ1v3F-xGze9z3E5RFTNCewyMtGJSh8Bcldw1UHQ1gjousSBarkGRZm6Yn3X_nEb0c17ghFTwee3edHB4xS3T0y_d8iYR3uM0D4vuPY9zVTb6Dq6Vcn8vyBRo0Q/s1600/serena5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHHXvb-JbODq1e9_Q_fQ1v3F-xGze9z3E5RFTNCewyMtGJSh8Bcldw1UHQ1gjousSBarkGRZm6Yn3X_nEb0c17ghFTwee3edHB4xS3T0y_d8iYR3uM0D4vuPY9zVTb6Dq6Vcn8vyBRo0Q/s400/serena5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Coco Play Table and Stools</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfLTdcMoMP4Q87QEyJtLK4addzSAhPXdsRNIKxGc5PHQqdMWFUuCIGnVxyCaykMV5BmI9Zluy6Y4orCvlfgaoGbVsQA9x5gxcfXTOL1jz2ObNBOsFGwqr4QGQkx54-rSrWN9iPp5XKx_w/s1600/serena6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfLTdcMoMP4Q87QEyJtLK4addzSAhPXdsRNIKxGc5PHQqdMWFUuCIGnVxyCaykMV5BmI9Zluy6Y4orCvlfgaoGbVsQA9x5gxcfXTOL1jz2ObNBOsFGwqr4QGQkx54-rSrWN9iPp5XKx_w/s400/serena6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Marmont Pendant</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF2ZolY_WgJTDTN-gvPs_swLv3F-11l-0zpWVdEKbCZF4JZ-2plvSXRlOl9FMVeBf5qJAUzWTrGDw114jhHUMetVz0PeOCg-7p_e1nwoz_ul0YJLFZ4fAcP8C5cFZGEQzjFE1TuXJmGJs/s1600/serena7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF2ZolY_WgJTDTN-gvPs_swLv3F-11l-0zpWVdEKbCZF4JZ-2plvSXRlOl9FMVeBf5qJAUzWTrGDw114jhHUMetVz0PeOCg-7p_e1nwoz_ul0YJLFZ4fAcP8C5cFZGEQzjFE1TuXJmGJs/s400/serena7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Birds Nest Hanging Lamp</div>
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Pretty great stuff, right? </div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
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<span id="goog_1762486590"></span><span id="goog_1762486591"></span>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-34774481469884223452012-01-19T10:45:00.000-06:002012-01-19T10:45:28.386-06:00Inspired by...Living Green-An Earthy SpaceGreetings 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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">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.</span></div>
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Wood Cube Tables. This is an obvious one. Anything that is made of wood just exudes the feeling of nature.</div>
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<a href="http://www.vivaterra.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoOlM9ZaJ0fwaIqg5EfBLYSsUW3mbTgfHHhdTP_RrdjWo_-sLIztBuA7GwX-Qoo4ZMF1en-xltLBKfbWFSnYwWNV0_g2sgLVbCALE2BQ1Hizg4olpTwUpNX2THHiWAbOzltAF-n2neZZp/s1600/butacachair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoOlM9ZaJ0fwaIqg5EfBLYSsUW3mbTgfHHhdTP_RrdjWo_-sLIztBuA7GwX-Qoo4ZMF1en-xltLBKfbWFSnYwWNV0_g2sgLVbCALE2BQ1Hizg4olpTwUpNX2THHiWAbOzltAF-n2neZZp/s400/butacachair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Butaca Chair. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cushions upholstered in organic grown cotton fabric or reclaimed jute coffee sacks.</span></div>
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With all the natural tones in my imaginary space, it is always good to add a pop of color. </div>
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<a href="http://www.vivaterra.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4Ly3iUa9COCm1DYA_fZhzcl6N5DR4VqVBv9bkPH3FIrgsViNUNthbnTwHXrdl2VlMwts7rzTxQqcQP1Xj7dysV8IWID3I9y7IEiuVQN3MkQpEiVC7xGKVcpMZnftq8HZtf58PfdmXZFV/s1600/merida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4Ly3iUa9COCm1DYA_fZhzcl6N5DR4VqVBv9bkPH3FIrgsViNUNthbnTwHXrdl2VlMwts7rzTxQqcQP1Xj7dysV8IWID3I9y7IEiuVQN3MkQpEiVC7xGKVcpMZnftq8HZtf58PfdmXZFV/s640/merida.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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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.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rug is made in Massachusetts. Made of wool fibers and colored by water-based all natural dyes.</span> </div>
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<a href="http://www.meridameridian.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu_TRGQM0uVyoHTPmWjaViA-BG-x4dbpR6cq5m9jEfnc4DPYa63BXPFIO2rdPOpNnrVxxeOV1XSvu6gxA8CUxvKOD5nkXMSfPhyphenhyphengnoScAvgnJHSvxLqzIeuMx6Cm3ntXSBnjD1yEtPwyk/s1600/arch+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu_TRGQM0uVyoHTPmWjaViA-BG-x4dbpR6cq5m9jEfnc4DPYa63BXPFIO2rdPOpNnrVxxeOV1XSvu6gxA8CUxvKOD5nkXMSfPhyphenhyphengnoScAvgnJHSvxLqzIeuMx6Cm3ntXSBnjD1yEtPwyk/s320/arch+art.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
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Funky accessory. I love throwing in accessories or items that are unexpected in a space. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Vintage jar rack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://architecturalartifacts.com/">via</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj-FxQ1P07ZpeOXMV3dxYNUvm7ccIPRq8lSp46NMd7Bfpps_eoq__u54D0LmlisLxY4WJ7urA1hxTRquiKCdVvqexvxVMWElH4hox8kT1k9vumQ06gJ4w9mCYn1puHDRy-3Sk7lOIlyBa/s1600/terr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj-FxQ1P07ZpeOXMV3dxYNUvm7ccIPRq8lSp46NMd7Bfpps_eoq__u54D0LmlisLxY4WJ7urA1hxTRquiKCdVvqexvxVMWElH4hox8kT1k9vumQ06gJ4w9mCYn1puHDRy-3Sk7lOIlyBa/s400/terr.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>
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Terrariums. My absolute favorite</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvOqXrGIO6zmoenKkPxNJEpSCEH5cJsqbUMHH_E3XkeDbjG050KfKUa6nCuzKV4Gg_z4EuXakTvlMMdVsb9eX2Ai29P_XUbL3atJ2dxFqE5N_MydhPIQ124czWKOu7yvN4HRCK6rHyct9/s1600/voltpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvOqXrGIO6zmoenKkPxNJEpSCEH5cJsqbUMHH_E3XkeDbjG050KfKUa6nCuzKV4Gg_z4EuXakTvlMMdVsb9eX2Ai29P_XUbL3atJ2dxFqE5N_MydhPIQ124czWKOu7yvN4HRCK6rHyct9/s400/voltpot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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How cool would this coffee table be?</div>
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<a href="http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/voltpot-coffee-table-planter-doubles-as-a-gadget-charger/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq71yn3gZASRr3rUomuflBO_AAG6h5mVKfKJPRemwcZsoOo1qIkpcBTXB5MNYvvPS_Ru3Cd4jTEFNiJrG5sXqqAGcZk8ysaW9OZT8BZA31JGW9Q0NThyphenhyphenesmZFrpW2uJH_s7pGJJ9ffeBY_/s1600/drift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq71yn3gZASRr3rUomuflBO_AAG6h5mVKfKJPRemwcZsoOo1qIkpcBTXB5MNYvvPS_Ru3Cd4jTEFNiJrG5sXqqAGcZk8ysaW9OZT8BZA31JGW9Q0NThyphenhyphenesmZFrpW2uJH_s7pGJJ9ffeBY_/s400/drift.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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...for another pop of color that is complimentary to the greys, neutrals, and blue. Plus a lil bit of storage</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Locally made from Madison, Wisconsin (go Badgers) with all natural materials. These guys are pretty cool.</span></div>
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<a href="http://driftstudio.com/">via</a></div>
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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!</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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<br />Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-32311383907122893732012-01-18T09:51:00.000-06:002012-01-18T09:51:46.724-06:00Dream House...What I Am Dreaming Of This Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qil2RWr_QQ3nvWI48pskxMY2sCh0JCYw6P0p-gv3Ys8dhfrEsGiGsY4TEfrxt8NnDfZ02n5g7V8gqfGEcvMQrqQjRDVZYGLXLTGZuZTGRKd2rtD0Es6nD6L1vQuOA5KNEXaYJnQ-3Q1S/s1600/kitchen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qil2RWr_QQ3nvWI48pskxMY2sCh0JCYw6P0p-gv3Ys8dhfrEsGiGsY4TEfrxt8NnDfZ02n5g7V8gqfGEcvMQrqQjRDVZYGLXLTGZuZTGRKd2rtD0Es6nD6L1vQuOA5KNEXaYJnQ-3Q1S/s640/kitchen1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Inspiration: an industrial commercial kitchen</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_49X7MFTInwdcfzjnSQrHQJOQg5r1KB0aOpoY04S3W_iNkMQYyLP1WiYwfw6qWMhGeXn3j5qhhFOR9IHN3EsoD7MLmfKJmcwhp4Xm997XHkv-IeMR1qb3xWP3F1PNQvnzG400kk51qap/s1600/kitchen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_49X7MFTInwdcfzjnSQrHQJOQg5r1KB0aOpoY04S3W_iNkMQYyLP1WiYwfw6qWMhGeXn3j5qhhFOR9IHN3EsoD7MLmfKJmcwhp4Xm997XHkv-IeMR1qb3xWP3F1PNQvnzG400kk51qap/s640/kitchen2.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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Concrete/super thick countertops. </div>
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Industrial light fixtures.</div>
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Stainless steel shelving</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfrWmp6uWFJ57Oabez9kEbEGLHUtdNia9JxzCa1rrSiy11ABi4i3Vv__gMXHCLmvG9XxH5kgPHH_mFHOSOXRYa11aMN0vy49aEYDA7upQNeYmGhvqNYLHxKGbyrnJXGijFWdRkcwiiP8m/s1600/Heath_Install_GunmetalTrinidadBronzeLav.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfrWmp6uWFJ57Oabez9kEbEGLHUtdNia9JxzCa1rrSiy11ABi4i3Vv__gMXHCLmvG9XxH5kgPHH_mFHOSOXRYa11aMN0vy49aEYDA7upQNeYmGhvqNYLHxKGbyrnJXGijFWdRkcwiiP8m/s640/Heath_Install_GunmetalTrinidadBronzeLav.jpg" width="609" /></a></div>
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Dimensional tile like this for the backsplash. Not in this color</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkVR7j6VK-2WjcIZ1Wv2YpaDZgpS65dVfv5N-tQYyDP63C8nFCc0qYRYCWelhxM_RgtkdJ_EVI8IlsgiXnFh1gNRMbXwghmTnVnrleibwKWE9Lr29s3TwCY_ApXo-fjKz9wJ1MDnXnpT4/s1600/islandW_eggshell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkVR7j6VK-2WjcIZ1Wv2YpaDZgpS65dVfv5N-tQYyDP63C8nFCc0qYRYCWelhxM_RgtkdJ_EVI8IlsgiXnFh1gNRMbXwghmTnVnrleibwKWE9Lr29s3TwCY_ApXo-fjKz9wJ1MDnXnpT4/s640/islandW_eggshell.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kitchen island made of a different material, reclaimed wood to be specific.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxM5Mq2KRGdMQ8V_rrC5T-w4fmEwe6r6Rw86SGla5scAWv-1Xwyh2JkAgsb_VB6sy8um4yX6vUBztn6lEBeCrTI96dVkI5b5CCWMh_KtBcj6WkLD-Gr3Vx8ckCYNlBoKqELeDp2pwVepE/s1600/kitchen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxM5Mq2KRGdMQ8V_rrC5T-w4fmEwe6r6Rw86SGla5scAWv-1Xwyh2JkAgsb_VB6sy8um4yX6vUBztn6lEBeCrTI96dVkI5b5CCWMh_KtBcj6WkLD-Gr3Vx8ckCYNlBoKqELeDp2pwVepE/s640/kitchen1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dark sleek/hidden cabinets that have very minimal detail.</div>
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A wall that is completely made of large custom-sized windows is on the list.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SMOSgWLTcvS_U5t0HAlmvtQhryRNVx5-o8KZ6xFImRP-9w7T_T2cDz9F8oNBO5GAae1nFXwMI0WxhqGld2ZiZHKU3ZUZOwnmOMJNCUamj98oZYlY0n3bg_-6OBlY7Qp3omzYxULjeDet/s1600/kitchen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SMOSgWLTcvS_U5t0HAlmvtQhryRNVx5-o8KZ6xFImRP-9w7T_T2cDz9F8oNBO5GAae1nFXwMI0WxhqGld2ZiZHKU3ZUZOwnmOMJNCUamj98oZYlY0n3bg_-6OBlY7Qp3omzYxULjeDet/s640/kitchen4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A RAD reclaimed wood table with...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HyP-sCVknddx7pJvFq_k0MV8LLAj6mO5ooqxREbEaCyt99sIwoL1brT7iZwBs8j5vx8nGDyMgzQQQQTXOxqgp512Z8dljuDJrnMnvIRwYWixN9_Yohj3gv9o-4XUauoYom2eTj8NGEKL/s1600/kitchen5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HyP-sCVknddx7pJvFq_k0MV8LLAj6mO5ooqxREbEaCyt99sIwoL1brT7iZwBs8j5vx8nGDyMgzQQQQTXOxqgp512Z8dljuDJrnMnvIRwYWixN9_Yohj3gv9o-4XUauoYom2eTj8NGEKL/s400/kitchen5.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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...these chairs.</div>
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You feelin it? I sure am...one day.</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
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<br />Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-71625110198530976822012-01-17T09:15:00.000-06:002012-01-17T09:15:20.124-06:00If 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.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #728081; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">"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...</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #728081; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">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." <a href="http://www.greenisuniversal.com/learn/about-us/sustainability-and-nbc-universal/">via</a></span><br />
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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. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bqzPBnO0zNQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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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. <a href="http://www.greenisuniversal.com/play/ishopgreen/">iShop Green</a> 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. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoew0dDUuzHK1Pvp2EnJyFchng4vzISGk5TT-Vq22AdSuUdWsAgWgU6aSuroRBILB0ylmyUuiY3chJYz1-7MPRRUHbg4p7pjs1pyAhHqaGRFTz0zAJRzTqz9TaPPjc1LwG2FDQRNlygT91/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoew0dDUuzHK1Pvp2EnJyFchng4vzISGk5TT-Vq22AdSuUdWsAgWgU6aSuroRBILB0ylmyUuiY3chJYz1-7MPRRUHbg4p7pjs1pyAhHqaGRFTz0zAJRzTqz9TaPPjc1LwG2FDQRNlygT91/s640/photo+%25281%2529.PNG" width="425" /></a></div>
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I have this app and I use it everyday, multiple times a day. </div>
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Download the app and you will see that being Green isn't such a hard thing!</div>
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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 <a href="http://www.greenisuniversal.com/">greenisuniversal.com</a>.</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-3131815516966497002012-01-16T10:08:00.000-06:002012-01-16T10:08:43.872-06:00MLK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Everyone should take a minute today and appreciate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his courageous fight for freedom and equality.<br />
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<br />Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-23422068389774404492012-01-16T09:00:00.000-06:002012-01-16T09:00:17.296-06:00Why 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.<br />
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For one of my projects I've been looking for some great reclaimed wood shelving. I came across a local <a href="http://www.elmwoodreclaimedtimber.com/index.aspx">company</a> 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.</div>
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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!</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-61056775803838751742011-12-08T10:02:00.000-06:002011-12-08T10:02:08.134-06:00I'm FELTing Creative TodayI have noticed a new trend in design lately. That is the use of Felt. When I think about felt, I think about when I was in Arts & Crafts in grade school. But now I see this sustainable material making a huge comeback and statement! I love the reinvention of this fabric and the unique application designers have come up with.<br />
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I came across this Toronto-based designer Kathryn Walter and her work with felt is absolutely breath-taking. Her business <a href="http://feltstudio.com/">Felt Studio</a> is booming and works only with felt. Felt is a sustainable textile that is extremely durable and made from wool/natural resources. Take a look at some of her amazing installations...<br />
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Wosk Theater at the Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles</div>
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The Gladstone Hotel, Toronto</div>
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Kathryn Walter doing her magic...keep rockin out girl!</div>
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Hotel Germain, Calgary</div>
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Oxygen Media Studios, Los Angeles</div>
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Hotel One, Seattle</div>
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Felt Furniture</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Eck9yDhv1_pemgh8FX99Gd-a7S0R5xJIGyUuj5OjA-T25ZGLGY06mmDnA7MhTG2xfjqWTynzEUQjsT9ZycFsrX5x-meS3iYWjA5tVrkqpL4MTiH34a9Uz1amtJ9_sbZy2GoPn8Mkjvrr/s1600/felt12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Eck9yDhv1_pemgh8FX99Gd-a7S0R5xJIGyUuj5OjA-T25ZGLGY06mmDnA7MhTG2xfjqWTynzEUQjsT9ZycFsrX5x-meS3iYWjA5tVrkqpL4MTiH34a9Uz1amtJ9_sbZy2GoPn8Mkjvrr/s320/felt12.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8NMYyeeOK9CJCi4NTP718DK8cH-H_x2kpS7FiG3KdH_udKa12acBhSohTcybPBgdzONnCj84kqoUmrKjRsm7oeZhPPLaOMVo_oUEOxxcepvp3U5L2DCsDOGYjqjw_eQBTtveza6IMsvX/s1600/felt13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8NMYyeeOK9CJCi4NTP718DK8cH-H_x2kpS7FiG3KdH_udKa12acBhSohTcybPBgdzONnCj84kqoUmrKjRsm7oeZhPPLaOMVo_oUEOxxcepvp3U5L2DCsDOGYjqjw_eQBTtveza6IMsvX/s320/felt13.jpg" width="304" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLx69pUhgSZgBkL-IRupgdW-pu0oe9q8VPyby4jNQADkxYkLYjsMVIOyK0urQc4J6pPdOLbsabq7KSdim_f8FTu8qgOYWC8U-vTc2AEfPJlD_QE498M3ztxaLbQBQFESA8zMh3LNcTPY5/s1600/felt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLx69pUhgSZgBkL-IRupgdW-pu0oe9q8VPyby4jNQADkxYkLYjsMVIOyK0urQc4J6pPdOLbsabq7KSdim_f8FTu8qgOYWC8U-vTc2AEfPJlD_QE498M3ztxaLbQBQFESA8zMh3LNcTPY5/s320/felt7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Felt bag, wood carrier, and vessels.</div>
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Kathryn is a Felt maven! I am obsessed with her installations. Check out more photos and information on her website <a href="http://feltstudio.com/">http://feltstudio.com/</a>. </div>
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(All images via <a href="http://feltstudio.com/">http://feltstudio.com/</a>)</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
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<br />Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-83007620414903067312011-12-07T09:34:00.000-06:002011-12-07T09:34:58.267-06:00Rarrr...Animal Prints!I am lucky to have a best friend that is South African and I'm even MORE lucky that she took me to her homeland South Africa a few years back. Her departure has totally inspired my blog post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJtn3Qn5VnBXo4lUfbS0r9q5541RVPSKIuaqRwwV3y4NRhTLUdqQpi83goIQWCh7Yk2Y7ae2DzTGPaIMbvIqiIgHsosFZb9_uFKZhZmvD3CwBHlnTlKIRXwhzQsbjqf36ENDyuI7_M3kn/s1600/n16803145_35397018_9043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJtn3Qn5VnBXo4lUfbS0r9q5541RVPSKIuaqRwwV3y4NRhTLUdqQpi83goIQWCh7Yk2Y7ae2DzTGPaIMbvIqiIgHsosFZb9_uFKZhZmvD3CwBHlnTlKIRXwhzQsbjqf36ENDyuI7_M3kn/s400/n16803145_35397018_9043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Me and the Levy's...all born and raised in South Africa. I love them :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJBNFfCR-pxGrnPAYwpdhG2VTne2dYKs0R1t8GcDjuYv5lBb14if_PqH0o5RznmKnVxZkGwjeNCK6owGb8lKcH-RDtHoVgsu5wI_SfbD4ZrX7wfVjTriRZ_LuxHBV2rYnySZpYGuLBVgO/s1600/n16803145_35397057_2445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJBNFfCR-pxGrnPAYwpdhG2VTne2dYKs0R1t8GcDjuYv5lBb14if_PqH0o5RznmKnVxZkGwjeNCK6owGb8lKcH-RDtHoVgsu5wI_SfbD4ZrX7wfVjTriRZ_LuxHBV2rYnySZpYGuLBVgO/s400/n16803145_35397057_2445.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Me on Safari in Kruger National Park, 2007</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOOgK4FIHi_Vz8tmWu8hM-P4EU9kDidUfCftTFCU8VvekVHBgDjaPaebkd5B2m4wXaGNC8NiNjxwUcwL0ZonF0yibsqRkUATtF8TItEmYIv1ArcrcBZdm78K1VCkRl0t1LPGpAZ4C34qv/s1600/n16803145_35397327_8426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOOgK4FIHi_Vz8tmWu8hM-P4EU9kDidUfCftTFCU8VvekVHBgDjaPaebkd5B2m4wXaGNC8NiNjxwUcwL0ZonF0yibsqRkUATtF8TItEmYIv1ArcrcBZdm78K1VCkRl0t1LPGpAZ4C34qv/s400/n16803145_35397327_8426.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here kitty kitty...</div>
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Now her bags are packed and she's in the air (as I blog) and on her way to a place where animal prints that are naturally everywhere. Today animal prints are totally trending and in every showroom/retail store- from the Merchandise Mart to West Elm. Here are a few of my favorite animal prints for the home...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5n-h2h8fnwWwIFKcU0ctTR0-oOpEXISQKX213Hd7RbDWv3ZMjLkblJlFO8A55rl1F1MXYuSYwJJGOVr1v7Egm3JSv5GPzhL_GwpH-ynsolDLqXEkLC6kB7YyiJPUOsd6aXQoHVcs29Cf/s1600/animal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5n-h2h8fnwWwIFKcU0ctTR0-oOpEXISQKX213Hd7RbDWv3ZMjLkblJlFO8A55rl1F1MXYuSYwJJGOVr1v7Egm3JSv5GPzhL_GwpH-ynsolDLqXEkLC6kB7YyiJPUOsd6aXQoHVcs29Cf/s400/animal1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Sabi Collection</div>
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<a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr88ehDxK2uuLJUeWO6FUUZK1xyRIdE7uPBF2AIz1N5bSNyYVuclUiidFrBSybq2RQpgPOD7q1B7nNOxDzBBG4kdCshBk4uuBlYbGF2P21DjtsSTOy-73pHp4Q2NIG14YW0H9MBOD1VKtd/s1600/animal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr88ehDxK2uuLJUeWO6FUUZK1xyRIdE7uPBF2AIz1N5bSNyYVuclUiidFrBSybq2RQpgPOD7q1B7nNOxDzBBG4kdCshBk4uuBlYbGF2P21DjtsSTOy-73pHp4Q2NIG14YW0H9MBOD1VKtd/s400/animal2.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEoZrOWaGWOVFR5fmviaQ-6-LxxnPw4XKNdWzuD-QQxIA5kwN38n80mGAQz5ifuvM_P0_jD3wSG5T5TSmQmXCkp1TaX59h5oV-zh9m2QrNiqQbXuAEIlZDnyPx_STQDYmlUX4eIhzfF-E/s1600/animal3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEoZrOWaGWOVFR5fmviaQ-6-LxxnPw4XKNdWzuD-QQxIA5kwN38n80mGAQz5ifuvM_P0_jD3wSG5T5TSmQmXCkp1TaX59h5oV-zh9m2QrNiqQbXuAEIlZDnyPx_STQDYmlUX4eIhzfF-E/s400/animal3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Panther Wallpaper</div>
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<a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mjl8iFx-qplpRTSEVC2bpdmvffDrh-0O-508SPH4x27yp31BNQqmpsztY-hoNHvaXmCXagG8B0ql-o4l-9BEreATQDSYwf4JLAyO1OyBCnpGmCn7RJ_gpApe0c9h5OtpoobdG5myDv69/s1600/animal4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mjl8iFx-qplpRTSEVC2bpdmvffDrh-0O-508SPH4x27yp31BNQqmpsztY-hoNHvaXmCXagG8B0ql-o4l-9BEreATQDSYwf4JLAyO1OyBCnpGmCn7RJ_gpApe0c9h5OtpoobdG5myDv69/s400/animal4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Boa Wallpaper</div>
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<a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CRId77Ian68a53NEorqxCdhFRpHsel-UScbEIyi7JmKWoaxdap25SLRZ89wN1pOEPnpIRq2Y_vH9bWb48kgKVVDaTcPKmRAV1jfYTWMSku6XihI1QJ1eOtpSrQjxtNBW1zQNjA2T3HMz/s1600/animal5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CRId77Ian68a53NEorqxCdhFRpHsel-UScbEIyi7JmKWoaxdap25SLRZ89wN1pOEPnpIRq2Y_vH9bWb48kgKVVDaTcPKmRAV1jfYTWMSku6XihI1QJ1eOtpSrQjxtNBW1zQNjA2T3HMz/s400/animal5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Komodo Wallpaper</div>
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<a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yBhZfmq9enLmz3I3LlA43ND0epYBbdwtMr1e8Alo8k-MC-mcFytWo5nPCXZXSs4vhxnjihHow3xN7fI-S03NidUmu6gJTR9MoKEKlyu59ydTLa3AxrRpyXAZlLpg5OLvK4gASq0D2_lx/s1600/animal7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yBhZfmq9enLmz3I3LlA43ND0epYBbdwtMr1e8Alo8k-MC-mcFytWo5nPCXZXSs4vhxnjihHow3xN7fI-S03NidUmu6gJTR9MoKEKlyu59ydTLa3AxrRpyXAZlLpg5OLvK4gASq0D2_lx/s400/animal7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Leopard tile </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOHUiqtJ-TbFcE4GUVE1qA0yS-EKkPPk_w_7DihV57ihJgXP0724t_OzTv3qMgkvqNkGb88u3H1y_q0mH8ZZzHe0jprifzne_Lgp6GxmdWzevxC6W5jYvuLkCoyJedH6vAB5zoAnGzdvs/s1600/animal8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOHUiqtJ-TbFcE4GUVE1qA0yS-EKkPPk_w_7DihV57ihJgXP0724t_OzTv3qMgkvqNkGb88u3H1y_q0mH8ZZzHe0jprifzne_Lgp6GxmdWzevxC6W5jYvuLkCoyJedH6vAB5zoAnGzdvs/s400/animal8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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More tile...</div>
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Here are som pictures of the two Safari lodges we stayed at. I am extremely lucky and thankful that I was able to experience South Africa. Safara is hands down one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. The lodges Lion Sands and Selati were beyond exquisite. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjo5u6CflkgqSC9yO5Pxs3ofZG5EhaTNOcwxrX8ifTBsAOzq9HqFDvC6g03o66EdAOhsZ3EO0_j13G7D9GYqYlN3hsrMfub35bgO2qeRF0-rsgCqto8oOVi1wLZx16pB4KFo5YTFUe_FcD/s1600/n16803145_35397340_7286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjo5u6CflkgqSC9yO5Pxs3ofZG5EhaTNOcwxrX8ifTBsAOzq9HqFDvC6g03o66EdAOhsZ3EO0_j13G7D9GYqYlN3hsrMfub35bgO2qeRF0-rsgCqto8oOVi1wLZx16pB4KFo5YTFUe_FcD/s400/n16803145_35397340_7286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPYxTXk0t8TLtRkGa2RHMYj-YMWLfJl5WqZbAobcbRBUbGlxY2vIVkNy_n0_t7M4a4aUw2ScKWI7KDDvdMtgL-2gYQSh5V2BvnBr-FihF9QbNQixaNIBwBZymrPNASyjsVsScadNbQ6PL/s1600/n16803145_35397339_6679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPYxTXk0t8TLtRkGa2RHMYj-YMWLfJl5WqZbAobcbRBUbGlxY2vIVkNy_n0_t7M4a4aUw2ScKWI7KDDvdMtgL-2gYQSh5V2BvnBr-FihF9QbNQixaNIBwBZymrPNASyjsVsScadNbQ6PL/s400/n16803145_35397339_6679.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd54k_86JVtmgjuFZjfv4SoDzktR_pNKtbgu5vFZi1Uln7WdYvTwWy-TIbXdhEeb-Bqp4VWD3SSazf_etn0-cGCE-t5NBjkbSxFdflwSOqOdipFyGqF_dInich4T_o3fJ7pT1hf-_TzRT/s1600/n16803145_35397338_5767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd54k_86JVtmgjuFZjfv4SoDzktR_pNKtbgu5vFZi1Uln7WdYvTwWy-TIbXdhEeb-Bqp4VWD3SSazf_etn0-cGCE-t5NBjkbSxFdflwSOqOdipFyGqF_dInich4T_o3fJ7pT1hf-_TzRT/s400/n16803145_35397338_5767.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrbkztMwjaJeeGtMuanxN-S4NzdoTPo_4TfM5yZYjv6cUzGEWD8eO69FJjXlV1nZT4uHiKxvUhYBWMWbQpVoQ0pTMpwqsRNij9Syz1KL9pvNsDonGb9_zM_DiM1Tx_vnhbSFBharC6gYZ/s1600/n16803145_35397336_4722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrbkztMwjaJeeGtMuanxN-S4NzdoTPo_4TfM5yZYjv6cUzGEWD8eO69FJjXlV1nZT4uHiKxvUhYBWMWbQpVoQ0pTMpwqsRNij9Syz1KL9pvNsDonGb9_zM_DiM1Tx_vnhbSFBharC6gYZ/s400/n16803145_35397336_4722.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfqq_3qleW_owOmAoMNe1UguVBvNpEP3VmeK348whM5Ng2GF5SfdQViWUFE5Yico2g2dbJumrbZhbpo34GNhNRoqF461BUInigNbDUudmfsoItet-2qRkEOfrnSSqAuW5MfZ4xAhRfve5/s1600/n16803145_35397333_3073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfqq_3qleW_owOmAoMNe1UguVBvNpEP3VmeK348whM5Ng2GF5SfdQViWUFE5Yico2g2dbJumrbZhbpo34GNhNRoqF461BUInigNbDUudmfsoItet-2qRkEOfrnSSqAuW5MfZ4xAhRfve5/s400/n16803145_35397333_3073.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmtOZ2tZSwhQwVn4iMPRXx5JfuA-R1NbVO_hH6I409V4KirO3uG0GPailS6BoS50pXLr6MDRE3pe-qHF1S-XtSNbeV9hJnjkGBkrgJ7Y9bPhReV9zjXPC-INOP9ToeUHJeV9e8dPB9UO4/s1600/n16803145_35397055_1730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmtOZ2tZSwhQwVn4iMPRXx5JfuA-R1NbVO_hH6I409V4KirO3uG0GPailS6BoS50pXLr6MDRE3pe-qHF1S-XtSNbeV9hJnjkGBkrgJ7Y9bPhReV9zjXPC-INOP9ToeUHJeV9e8dPB9UO4/s400/n16803145_35397055_1730.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I would do anything to do it all over again. Thank you Candi and the Levy's for giving me the most perfect South African experience. Have the best trip and give all the family big hugs for me. Safe travels. xoxo</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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<br />Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-72027549392933527352011-12-06T11:16:00.000-06:002011-12-06T11:16:37.601-06:00The Right Coat TreeI will admit, I am a total closet shopaholic. One of my guilty pleasures when shopping is buying the perfect jacket. Over the years I have accumulated dozens of jackets and I wear all of them! Now, a huge problem with having all these jackets is where to store them but have them easily accessible as I sometimes will wear three different jackets a day. I am also a very lazy person when it comes to putting things away so I started looking for the perfect coat rack. One thats modern but can hold as many coats as possible...<div>
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<a href="http://westelm.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cb2.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhvY5zFPhIJuqfFmVhEpy7MJRh2NDpfK3z3tlUMzZ1XRCtKqs_JVHPWOirhZboNQNZtWz-XEbpNlscORDTuGrOPy8JEMvp1nluMdCEvxK4rNHtC43NTskck4dJVsZY5nTbvrvHQQnvZK_/s1600/coatrack3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhvY5zFPhIJuqfFmVhEpy7MJRh2NDpfK3z3tlUMzZ1XRCtKqs_JVHPWOirhZboNQNZtWz-XEbpNlscORDTuGrOPy8JEMvp1nluMdCEvxK4rNHtC43NTskck4dJVsZY5nTbvrvHQQnvZK_/s400/coatrack3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cb2.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="http://dwr.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="http://dwr.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="http://weburbanist.com/2008/11/03/coat-racks-and-modern-hat-rack-designs/2/">via</a></div>
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Which do you like? Stay warm!</div>
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<br /></div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-26231808979784282602011-12-05T09:58:00.000-06:002011-12-05T09:58:26.257-06:00GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK (GTW)GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK: Use used/recycled/old magazines as wrapping paper!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwClKR7ecXz82dbkl9hDtJW3sBpdHM34nHEHgmGXZY_TWNTu24TPp54NX0bWMHBFIp_myCUZ0lGBE17kqt7cgEooTv3cU8FOEX7yXNYH6aAQdkrDxBSv9m0zEvyzdyiurboknaURJ9gZb/s1600/wrapping4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwClKR7ecXz82dbkl9hDtJW3sBpdHM34nHEHgmGXZY_TWNTu24TPp54NX0bWMHBFIp_myCUZ0lGBE17kqt7cgEooTv3cU8FOEX7yXNYH6aAQdkrDxBSv9m0zEvyzdyiurboknaURJ9gZb/s400/wrapping4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of my biggest pet peeves is buying and using wrapping paper. Yes it looks beautiful but wrapping paper is used for about ten seconds and then is tossed in the garage. To me, it is just a waste of paper and a way of producing more waste during the holiday season. </div>
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A more unique and green way to wrap this years gifts is by using sheets from old magazines/newspapers to wrap your gifts. You can stay with the theme of the holidays by selecting pages/articles that are about the holidays or have holiday colors. While you are repurposing magazines/newspapers/shopping bags, you are saving money!!! It's a win-win situation for everyone!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3GDPV2_Ubg_Xsh_kzJXC-530P5vfkgEyFPFFVRmMV9RQAFpBjvMe8YVcplbbLvIAjleGdT-MB-9Xac_HIPwzKmPRqZKumlbZwVavEPYHIwKDN1niB8TAxCsBl7SDRawwctkVEaMW6sj2/s1600/wrapping1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3GDPV2_Ubg_Xsh_kzJXC-530P5vfkgEyFPFFVRmMV9RQAFpBjvMe8YVcplbbLvIAjleGdT-MB-9Xac_HIPwzKmPRqZKumlbZwVavEPYHIwKDN1niB8TAxCsBl7SDRawwctkVEaMW6sj2/s400/wrapping1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZv0k-jjepXNvDdJHyu8ncTiUt3x6wxLB4TvLLHE7Ww-AnjHFDhSALWylJuomLdsAJUrihVyC1LUdzpMd5VQG7lRo18ohOV66TsLGfvWZOyoVfrH1h_3C0dcYQIoHw1QFa9Mj32TneBS27/s1600/wrapping2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZv0k-jjepXNvDdJHyu8ncTiUt3x6wxLB4TvLLHE7Ww-AnjHFDhSALWylJuomLdsAJUrihVyC1LUdzpMd5VQG7lRo18ohOV66TsLGfvWZOyoVfrH1h_3C0dcYQIoHw1QFa9Mj32TneBS27/s400/wrapping2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-L8RONm2BpIJtZU_fcmy-4KXTd05IMPgKjZEBXJylsgq_vLB3PAdKPMjlFbvqTOwwJ3eW3yHWIhTI20qwZ08MlytRog4PS2kc21dklUtJtiQ9OLyGtwdOYAZbiVhyphenhyphen8qaRdOCfJYzLO7F/s1600/wrapping5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-L8RONm2BpIJtZU_fcmy-4KXTd05IMPgKjZEBXJylsgq_vLB3PAdKPMjlFbvqTOwwJ3eW3yHWIhTI20qwZ08MlytRog4PS2kc21dklUtJtiQ9OLyGtwdOYAZbiVhyphenhyphen8qaRdOCfJYzLO7F/s400/wrapping5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7IGrPYEWBoH6ymRn4lcAv34RBzwczNwzfes71UCsSLbJlD5zi6_fHiP38ovEsPm1Anwb1pr6ckqVmnMiEqrfNiAEGO6LsfKSNTtDPBgSRJqZZLFHWD3XaOZPP-A0s9fyVDTQJW1whx1u/s1600/wrapping6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7IGrPYEWBoH6ymRn4lcAv34RBzwczNwzfes71UCsSLbJlD5zi6_fHiP38ovEsPm1Anwb1pr6ckqVmnMiEqrfNiAEGO6LsfKSNTtDPBgSRJqZZLFHWD3XaOZPP-A0s9fyVDTQJW1whx1u/s400/wrapping6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Looks just as beautiful if not better than wrapping paper!</div>
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Happy Wrapping!</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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<br />Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-7833815486583325642011-11-28T11:43:00.000-06:002011-11-28T11:43:51.979-06:00GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK (GTW)Green Tip of the Week: Use LED Lights for your Christmas decorations!<br />
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Turkey day has come and gone and now its time for everyone's favorite holiday, Christmas. Although I do not celebrate this holiday, I absolutely love the Christmas decor and spirit. One of my favorite Christmas activities is driving around the suburbs of Chicago and looking at all the Christmas lights and decorations. <br />
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To all you Christmas maniacs that whoo us with your amazing Christmas displays, GREEN YOUR CHRISTMAS by using LED Christmas lights instead of the regular Christmas lights. <br />
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LED lights far outweigh incandescent lighting for power saving by using up to 33% less power and saving you some money at the same time! LEDs also won the durability test as well as sustaining over 4,000 hours of light! <a href="http://gizmodo.com/">via</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKSTnTUyN4xTIuROy-AKqg54BjFQV_sOxzWpMpIp4_O5JvJ9I-nrPOKxNzUNHPA6xxMR2xwnb5ATgcyjmfAAONwAgCjpbGDrsiNCfraD6uQAs1YGAmiU1K5LNqLMOpgtEjsxpjB2UPRIQ/s1600/led4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKSTnTUyN4xTIuROy-AKqg54BjFQV_sOxzWpMpIp4_O5JvJ9I-nrPOKxNzUNHPA6xxMR2xwnb5ATgcyjmfAAONwAgCjpbGDrsiNCfraD6uQAs1YGAmiU1K5LNqLMOpgtEjsxpjB2UPRIQ/s400/led4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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LED Lighting is a lot brighter as well as enhances the colors of the bulbs</div>
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<a href="http://treehugger.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ReYZbNqUuv7n9WkOuda1BysHiRt0-Mdbyt6UD1BAZ_WdEVrQ45QFIzwzFRnEqMkzU-UWc01Se3CPuF5HD6C_iRLWToy-jtjmEIz-PWtZZWN0ZGxtXp-xK_HEuQhcXq7MMP_FOtWtLNUB/s1600/LED1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ReYZbNqUuv7n9WkOuda1BysHiRt0-Mdbyt6UD1BAZ_WdEVrQ45QFIzwzFRnEqMkzU-UWc01Se3CPuF5HD6C_iRLWToy-jtjmEIz-PWtZZWN0ZGxtXp-xK_HEuQhcXq7MMP_FOtWtLNUB/s400/LED1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://ledchristmaslightsetc.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r6Bh6hTs9EqAlBmHlnT0qTApNIqAYUL1fFFfhZRdVoQ_XuQ8D-0FgkIJB5bHOTVxnEaBHxlDDRri_ZbumMEAJ359yLLvYLxyN8VExQS5duquTgSSh04LPUOrdRyjwE9YEsRBIMN6xgBK/s1600/LED2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r6Bh6hTs9EqAlBmHlnT0qTApNIqAYUL1fFFfhZRdVoQ_XuQ8D-0FgkIJB5bHOTVxnEaBHxlDDRri_ZbumMEAJ359yLLvYLxyN8VExQS5duquTgSSh04LPUOrdRyjwE9YEsRBIMN6xgBK/s400/LED2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.christmaslightsetc.com/">via</a></div>
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You can purchase LED lights <a href="http://www.ledchristmaslights.com/">here</a>, at your local <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202338109/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053">Home Depot</a>, or just about anywhere!</div>
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Merry Christmas and happy lighting!</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
<br />Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-53187170833161113792011-11-16T10:40:00.000-06:002011-11-16T10:40:51.576-06:00My Dream House...the Fantasy Continues...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When fantasizing about my dream home, I envision concrete floors. This may sound strange but I am obsessed with concrete anything!! Not only do I love the various looks of concrete flooring choices but concrete is a sustainable choice when it comes to flooring materials. My "dream house" will have lots and lots of concrete but will also have other flooring materials as well. This idea just really get my heart rate going....</div>
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"Because of their thermal mass and ability to retain heat, concrete floors are ideal for passive solar home designs. When homes are built to take advantage of solar radiation entering through windows in the winter months, concrete floors will absorb the heat from the direct sunlight and release the stored heat as needed at night to keep rooms warmer. Conversely in the summer and in hot climates, concrete floors shielded from the sun will stay cool longer and can actually help lower air-conditioning costs."<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <a href="http://concretenetwork.com/">via</a></span></div>
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When properly installed and sealed, a decorative concrete floor should last a lifetime and will never need replacement. This outliving other flooring materials such as carpet, hardwood and tiles. Wow-even better!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c1CFgRnL7DzclrwR6sT9ANmkkyYnHNnIaE0-KwSM9CU6cXSpzm6zMSZWrlr45jwvCuS6vWMeVIfVFG4ZSW8bZ0reQYxPNz_MpgM3e1JcfuRbNzn5lNSd-qW2Tmb4KmLxSVf-oI0QIoT4/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c1CFgRnL7DzclrwR6sT9ANmkkyYnHNnIaE0-KwSM9CU6cXSpzm6zMSZWrlr45jwvCuS6vWMeVIfVFG4ZSW8bZ0reQYxPNz_MpgM3e1JcfuRbNzn5lNSd-qW2Tmb4KmLxSVf-oI0QIoT4/s400/IMG_2228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a concrete floor with wood detail inlay. Luang Prabang, Laos</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3EscBLlQeheWVdXLbHo70LfH0TxRPnvVSQqbP6i0PUojKItBoLhN0v6zFt6X3htGCYl_6Z8OSE9-CieNwVDrUEoFe-lf1ROG64Myv-Q0btIBavkYBcUwNJKI7Gceq-VPlhJtk0cruk5o/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3EscBLlQeheWVdXLbHo70LfH0TxRPnvVSQqbP6i0PUojKItBoLhN0v6zFt6X3htGCYl_6Z8OSE9-CieNwVDrUEoFe-lf1ROG64Myv-Q0btIBavkYBcUwNJKI7Gceq-VPlhJtk0cruk5o/s400/IMG_2230.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My siblings and I came across this store in Asia and I instantly fell in love. I love the distressed/industrial look of concrete.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO43RatwP1OR2d_8kXi2KuPlCgioV0ssevkIDkmTzv_kViHmbITGoIDycbEl22JZ04nZFQlglEFACEcpgNvXxGgVShyDRZK2onQ4__jW56zIr1hnKDcdGz_3rdteqkJit9aOT-w8Fuy_pZ/s1600/concrete1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO43RatwP1OR2d_8kXi2KuPlCgioV0ssevkIDkmTzv_kViHmbITGoIDycbEl22JZ04nZFQlglEFACEcpgNvXxGgVShyDRZK2onQ4__jW56zIr1hnKDcdGz_3rdteqkJit9aOT-w8Fuy_pZ/s400/concrete1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love how concrete floors create a seamless look.</div>
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<a href="http://www.concrete-floors.org/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6T4JaeazhGwYNlbDJtPWechFusoowL3x36dtc6egvbYIz7dpXwdkibJiGAad6Nxvnch0-Iod6qj2Md4cHfRRY80UComuz_3xtlgSyYocks903xMQ4Fe9RbsYpaGgpTPHxkT7c8l7oJKM/s1600/concrete2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6T4JaeazhGwYNlbDJtPWechFusoowL3x36dtc6egvbYIz7dpXwdkibJiGAad6Nxvnch0-Iod6qj2Md4cHfRRY80UComuz_3xtlgSyYocks903xMQ4Fe9RbsYpaGgpTPHxkT7c8l7oJKM/s400/concrete2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A polished concrete floor in a few areas will create a beautiful brightness and a sense of variety when only using one material</div>
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<a href="http://www.concrete-floors.org/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VGfeYLM70HkVjlzzBVO8tZVuJvnD0Gc8BCFd8niazNW-X1oWKwWivuNZGerXj3cpQHhY8JjHKUlGeua2iwpMLhmB59T0n-CnvsL6ua4ru6Rt3Y92Xv1NrOng5PGBj5SrvzttspE4AvoG/s1600/homerenovation.about.com.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VGfeYLM70HkVjlzzBVO8tZVuJvnD0Gc8BCFd8niazNW-X1oWKwWivuNZGerXj3cpQHhY8JjHKUlGeua2iwpMLhmB59T0n-CnvsL6ua4ru6Rt3Y92Xv1NrOng5PGBj5SrvzttspE4AvoG/s400/homerenovation.about.com.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So sleek, so in love</div>
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<a href="http://homerenovation.about.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp2D775DB17rW9d6fzaQD4sl4rLwnEfgJcdnuv0x-NnvUpca9dFvGxIQyoeRpj0DFyI8rnbTA9Ki_kKx-tH4I-yaEgXjM_yvorecEw1F2-HJ-wBgmQktBP8XZl8nmHHfJzJr75uBfLAlj/s1600/inhometrend.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp2D775DB17rW9d6fzaQD4sl4rLwnEfgJcdnuv0x-NnvUpca9dFvGxIQyoeRpj0DFyI8rnbTA9Ki_kKx-tH4I-yaEgXjM_yvorecEw1F2-HJ-wBgmQktBP8XZl8nmHHfJzJr75uBfLAlj/s400/inhometrend.com.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In my dream house that would be located in Chicago (obviously) I will make sure that the concrete floor will be HEATED. Nothing beats a heated floor in the cold winter. I also love this light colored concrete.</div>
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<a href="http://inhometrend.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoBk7me7-jxem8MXPbQ55PE-6iGjukU_Mo7sCFII7VA2YoergBGCjjuYo2oGTxPoN6GX9rjNsm-LGAx3Wdn8QphyphenhyphenN9rdvxF8Fv3apPooorwIb7tC9G3RZBZU0uYQiXu0UIs4Nxe8qTLo1/s1600/nhit-shis.org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoBk7me7-jxem8MXPbQ55PE-6iGjukU_Mo7sCFII7VA2YoergBGCjjuYo2oGTxPoN6GX9rjNsm-LGAx3Wdn8QphyphenhyphenN9rdvxF8Fv3apPooorwIb7tC9G3RZBZU0uYQiXu0UIs4Nxe8qTLo1/s400/nhit-shis.org.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://nhit-shis.org/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw2vrFKLJCcoJx7AVz6_BimETa8nrgm5BS8BrwUh7y01k9psFOAMd1aVXqGkZKw5bQfTuL8IIEU9N30vHFV0YneNs_tO9INxXtfGKG24V5zCD_EDvg0_idLpJSqBenYU1MtVUKGX5OcrR/s1600/concrete3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw2vrFKLJCcoJx7AVz6_BimETa8nrgm5BS8BrwUh7y01k9psFOAMd1aVXqGkZKw5bQfTuL8IIEU9N30vHFV0YneNs_tO9INxXtfGKG24V5zCD_EDvg0_idLpJSqBenYU1MtVUKGX5OcrR/s400/concrete3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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THIS IS MY HEAVEN. I am beyond in love with the concrete floors and walls complimented by the beautiful wood kitchen and ceiling beams. This is an ideal look for my dream house-100%</div>
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<a href="http://www.nhit-shis.org/">via</a></div>
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<br /></div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-79050514709521348902011-11-15T10:32:00.000-06:002011-11-15T10:32:52.820-06:00NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS MONTHFor those of you who don't know, the month of November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a disease that has directly effected my family; my brother was diagnosed at age 7 as Type I. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdoDmFzdgmBHeQFpJ-wBKkn1iSPWlm8Y3aKbrBdY1UmEfhJKSCFOYTn3hyphenhyphenXQlvoS1rwTRozdhQ7WrlskBkGCQVUU1WKyQvxltvw7WjG1aXCqosMsPd2T55jBQSJX-tZhVzrYw-8BDNEnD/s1600/IMG_2528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdoDmFzdgmBHeQFpJ-wBKkn1iSPWlm8Y3aKbrBdY1UmEfhJKSCFOYTn3hyphenhyphenXQlvoS1rwTRozdhQ7WrlskBkGCQVUU1WKyQvxltvw7WjG1aXCqosMsPd2T55jBQSJX-tZhVzrYw-8BDNEnD/s400/IMG_2528.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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My bro, Josh and I. Vietnam, February 2011. </div>
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Nearly 26 million children and adults in America are living with diabetes and another 79 million are at high risk for developing Type II diabetes. This disease is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country. Most Americans don't consider diabetes as a serious matter..well wake up people, it is!!!!!</div>
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Here are some stats from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:</div>
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*Every 17 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes</div>
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*Diabetes kills more people each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined</div>
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*Recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take the necessary steps to find a cure for Diabetes.</div>
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(facts and stats from <a href="http://www.diabetes.org/">http://www.diabetes.org/</a>)</div>
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Years after my brother was diagnosed, my mom and her close friends started a group called <a href="http://friends-united.org/">Friends United for Juvenile Diabetes Research</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHn-ue_LdpZKxlVnnSx2_dwM3KWq_yRx8v0z0cx3WIMdc6XLxty0oTpUXsqI9qlguLlWZRbmbTXy3fIakRTzeq2ElPuoqHiSq9lJop-wTj7AKi8HMLegKvOrnb7807XlPXW3QlyShIpsP/s1600/10621_162066811075_162066441075_3332309_7837240_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHn-ue_LdpZKxlVnnSx2_dwM3KWq_yRx8v0z0cx3WIMdc6XLxty0oTpUXsqI9qlguLlWZRbmbTXy3fIakRTzeq2ElPuoqHiSq9lJop-wTj7AKi8HMLegKvOrnb7807XlPXW3QlyShIpsP/s320/10621_162066811075_162066441075_3332309_7837240_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Their goal is to raise awareness/educate our communities about Diabetes and raise money for research Money raised from Friends United helps fund research at <a href="http://www.kovlerdiabetescenter.org/">Kolver Diabetes Center, University of Chicago</a>, <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/">Mayo Clinic</a>, <a href="http://www.uchospitals.edu/specialties/transplant/pancreas-islet.html">Pancreas & Islet Transplant Program at University of Chicago</a>, Harvard Medical School, <a href="http://www.diabetesresearch.org/">Diabetes Research Institute at University of Miami</a> and many more research centers/universities/hospitals. </div>
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If you are interested in joining the Friends United team or Junior Board, please contact us <a href="http://friends-united.org/contact.html">here</a>. Please join this local charity that was formed by love and devotion to help cure this disease.</div>
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Watch a Friends United video <a href="http://vimeo.com/16667302">here!</a></div>
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Visit <a href="http://friends-united.org/">http://friends-united.org/</a> to learn more about Diabetes and what FU is all about!<br />
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-80856699796191284102011-11-14T14:26:00.000-06:002011-11-14T14:26:29.734-06:00GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK (GTW)Green Tip of the Week: Wood Burning Fireplaces vs. Gas Fireplaces<br />
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It is sad to say but now that temps are cooling down, it's time to turn on the heat. In Chicago, it is pretty standard to have a fireplace in your condo/home/apartment. I LOVE lighting my fire in my apartment because I love the feeling of warmth that radiates throughout my condo and the way it makes my living room glow.<br />
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Some may ask, which is better for the environment, wood burning or gas fireplaces? Here is the down-low on the two...<br />
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<u>Wood Burning Fireplaces:</u><br />
Although fireplace may be romantic and produce that wonderful crackling sound, they are also messy, time consuming and tend to be net heat losers. The amount of heat lost by opening your chimney flute greatly counter-acts the actual amount of heat that a wood burning fire can produce. Also, you are burning wood-wood cut from living or dead trees that can be reused or recycled elsewhere. The time frame for a log of wood to burn doesn't have a significant time-span to produce the amount of heat you would ideally want; the shorter the fire, the greater the net heat loss. <br />
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<a href="http://appliancist.com/">via</a></div>
<u> Gas Fireplaces:</u><br />
Gas fireplaces provide all the beautiful, heat-generating benefits without all the inconveniences of wood fires. Gas burning fireplaces can help reduce the problem of amount of heat loss created by wood burning fireplaces. There is no need for firewood that costs money and harmful to the environment or the other resources that can be used from wood. Natural gas fireplaces is much cleaner! Also, you have the option to control the actual fire and the amount of heat it produces. Choosing gas fireplaces over other alternative sources of heat allow you to save on your heating bills as well sustaining trees that take decades to grow! It is a total win-win situation!<br />
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My dog Tula, LOVES snuggling up to the warm gas fireplace I have in my condo.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ecosmartfire.com/">EcoSmart</a> Fireplace installs...</div>
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<a href="http://www.ecosmartfire.com/">EcoSmart</a> fireplaces</div>
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<a href="http://www.ecosmartfire.com/">EcoSmart</a> fireplaces</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Stay Warm!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">sami</span></div>
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<br /></div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-66819561603704764282011-10-24T11:45:00.000-05:002011-10-24T11:45:24.782-05:00GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK (GTW)Green Tip of the Week: ECO FRIENDLY COSTUMES!<br />
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Halloween is just around the corner. I read over the weekend that American's spend over 5 billion dollars a year on Halloween costumes and decorations..kinda crazy! Here are some money saving and eco-friendly tips for this "holiday" that I have a love/hate relationship with. <br />
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-Use existing clothes in your/your child's wardrobe as the base for their costumes. <br />
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-Invest in props that can be reused for multiple costumes over multiple years. Swords, capes and belts can be used to complete multiple children costumes<br />
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-Buy face masks made of natural latex not polyvinyl chloride. PVC is a <u>non-recyclable</u> plastic that off-gasses dioxins that have been shown to cause cancer.<br />
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-Search through thrift stores for funky/interesting articles of clothing. You never know what you can find!!!<br />
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-When building/constructing your costume, use materials such as cardboard, foil and paper that can be recycled after Halloween is over. <br />
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-Purchase water-based face paint that is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Use natural sea sponges to apply face-paint that can be rinsed and reused.<br />
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These helpful eco-friendly hints were from <a href="http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/create-ecofriendly-halloween-costumes-2611.html">National Geographic.</a><br />
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Have a safe and fun Halloween!<br />
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
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</div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279208282302135964.post-70767187023314035352011-10-19T13:48:00.000-05:002011-10-19T13:48:12.224-05:00A Mandell Nursery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am SO beyond excited today because my cousin emailed me saying she wants me to do her nursery for her lil bun in the oven, and its a girl! The Mandell family is completely dominated by men and when we found out that a baby girl is coming into the family we were all so ecstatic. I can't help but start brainstorming ideas and schemes for lil princess. I can't also stop thinking about how superstitious Jews are when it comes to preparing everything before the baby is born...a big no no! My mom said that when my older sister was born, my Dad had to rush home and put together the crib and changing table, thats seriously superstitious! <br />
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I am very excited to work with my cousin because she is a handbag designer for <a href="http://www.miabossi.com/">Mia Bossi</a> (beautiful diaper bags that don't look like diaper bags!) which means she is super chic and stylish. This should be real fun! Here are just some ideas I came up with on the fly after getting this amazing news... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0j9thPXo6owVsCBe-cO4l6IRJw6MB8bexVdgi_rFoyCJBysxvhJb5XmZQrgyWcifg6ST-JXw0U2xAFHGM_yGR9DuoZhm0ZnWKoaMcQ-ccplNbtGOideU4ev3Moz481t8chr_5CiaaIQZ5/s1600/DSC_0135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0j9thPXo6owVsCBe-cO4l6IRJw6MB8bexVdgi_rFoyCJBysxvhJb5XmZQrgyWcifg6ST-JXw0U2xAFHGM_yGR9DuoZhm0ZnWKoaMcQ-ccplNbtGOideU4ev3Moz481t8chr_5CiaaIQZ5/s640/DSC_0135.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Precious polka-dots</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wriuWDWjXpTuCkYA8pLDKEbcdoED8n0su3jPj_NW3YZmt9Vu3sUPsfacGjjplrKIwq4VKhCqyOunMLhMwBDiyiWmGTwK1-Timh54yDblurzGTUpA-w2XiGFUIXecBToVbO7D7wBMq4Z1/s1600/DSC_0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wriuWDWjXpTuCkYA8pLDKEbcdoED8n0su3jPj_NW3YZmt9Vu3sUPsfacGjjplrKIwq4VKhCqyOunMLhMwBDiyiWmGTwK1-Timh54yDblurzGTUpA-w2XiGFUIXecBToVbO7D7wBMq4Z1/s640/DSC_0137.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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My favorite scheme of the bunch...soft, sweet, and super chic!</div>
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For the glam baby</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFvBRyUP9TsFoETYZAIDaEBeyXDiZNlWpjxGP1RTSG0i34bRa7I-4J71WPtUx9_Qty1teIqZz6oj4VAcLUmKM2i6cIQtRk_DHr05jbtOqgPEOsUE-4XtXVkVE_x4EsnDXUwzpt2aNwaQr/s1600/DSC_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFvBRyUP9TsFoETYZAIDaEBeyXDiZNlWpjxGP1RTSG0i34bRa7I-4J71WPtUx9_Qty1teIqZz6oj4VAcLUmKM2i6cIQtRk_DHr05jbtOqgPEOsUE-4XtXVkVE_x4EsnDXUwzpt2aNwaQr/s640/DSC_0136.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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This scheme is runner up for my favorite. May be too sophisticated for a babygirl but like I always say, "A fabulous design is a timeless design." She will grow into it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OuOhUVTPtdEbX_KCjP62O-1osj6CIGHshMYpq7lhfSClQrI55FT_3KjZq00NDKopN2NgqabCHTk0wN2RUSLtMQdnNB0i5wXaBYiW5zulbE_45Z2OMpOnRC_BHxlJYKQz6LimNX47IPKm/s1600/crib+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OuOhUVTPtdEbX_KCjP62O-1osj6CIGHshMYpq7lhfSClQrI55FT_3KjZq00NDKopN2NgqabCHTk0wN2RUSLtMQdnNB0i5wXaBYiW5zulbE_45Z2OMpOnRC_BHxlJYKQz6LimNX47IPKm/s400/crib+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What could be better for a baby girls room than a pink crib?!?</div>
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<a href="http://grow-kids.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMO9yzM4vP4Ut5CZiBDBpKdCTNTWleW_jML_-CP_zvua_SDHq3u8qkA7bY4PUAmRJ_YE6VK77Xe9_81_NMl8wgJeXwyCX8j6Fi9JAcEkxAHP1u4VZyivTkhzzubwe-JeFM1YWFqUpvFs0/s1600/crib2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMO9yzM4vP4Ut5CZiBDBpKdCTNTWleW_jML_-CP_zvua_SDHq3u8qkA7bY4PUAmRJ_YE6VK77Xe9_81_NMl8wgJeXwyCX8j6Fi9JAcEkxAHP1u4VZyivTkhzzubwe-JeFM1YWFqUpvFs0/s400/crib2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This one may be more practical...love modern cribs</div>
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<a href="http://grow-kids.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z7JbQQ7h4qyyt607cBv5RbF3PAVGAJTIkocxTj8AOWHRlcekxzqpdLIb2veZ8hGR1ERaC-1FN72UDn6C77oIn2e1iV51pyTYjdlpuLMq69NoAmpLpoRSrW8F5ZTDC9Wo4uwlxJbGmZjO/s1600/crib3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z7JbQQ7h4qyyt607cBv5RbF3PAVGAJTIkocxTj8AOWHRlcekxzqpdLIb2veZ8hGR1ERaC-1FN72UDn6C77oIn2e1iV51pyTYjdlpuLMq69NoAmpLpoRSrW8F5ZTDC9Wo4uwlxJbGmZjO/s400/crib3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seriously, could this crib be any cooler? So major!</div>
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<a href="http://grow-kids.com/">via</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtowPH3bCsepzl0KG6ZnQh6QHddH8hHgLTPf93w8ysBu_hwd3jB7gDceQwC3rSUP0pmxkGxNegmYo-mawnOKMTsaql2ZC9EjMkcRxVkmBC96ffwLncEMf6fk-0T0gT9QdcUa2NIccklBCd/s1600/ku.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtowPH3bCsepzl0KG6ZnQh6QHddH8hHgLTPf93w8ysBu_hwd3jB7gDceQwC3rSUP0pmxkGxNegmYo-mawnOKMTsaql2ZC9EjMkcRxVkmBC96ffwLncEMf6fk-0T0gT9QdcUa2NIccklBCd/s320/ku.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ok so my cousin Rob is a die hard Jayhawk (as am I! Rock Chalk!!!) and wants to keep his pictures/memorabilia in the nursery. That aint happening! But maybe these silver KU letters can make an appearance </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF84lg2NcoE0uJGRB98Uhyphenhyphen15tfbOmxIzQY96ehQUNCWKkmzOJLTYGrr1jvkQpIQGufa53Y1EokQccnZs9WXBK6yQQLqxQaatFd_wAT3vXiPnSj2-xXlhp9QhfoG8PSmQxofJGvtARsaweW/s1600/kuanimal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF84lg2NcoE0uJGRB98Uhyphenhyphen15tfbOmxIzQY96ehQUNCWKkmzOJLTYGrr1jvkQpIQGufa53Y1EokQccnZs9WXBK6yQQLqxQaatFd_wAT3vXiPnSj2-xXlhp9QhfoG8PSmQxofJGvtARsaweW/s200/kuanimal.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Obviously there will be a Baby J in the crib for her to cuddle with. </div>
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Can't wait to get started! Stay tuned for more details!</div>
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LIVE WELL. LIVE PURE.</div>
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sami</div>
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</div>Sami Mandellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070001293302679337noreply@blogger.com0