LoveLEE Furniture

As promised, I want to let you know about great products that are worthy of sharing.  LEE Industries furniture is at the top on my list for upholstered furniture for 3 main reasons...1.  they offer styles for just about everyone (traditional, transitional, and contemporary), 2.  they were "eco friendly" way before it was cool be so, and 3.  their furniture is quality, quality, and quality!  I bought a sofa from them 15 years ago and it looks and feels the same today as it did then.  Definitely money well invested!  Several of my clients have their pieces and love them.

Below are pics from their website.  They have hundreds of more styles on their website www.leeindustries.com to choose from.

If you are in need of new furniture and like what you see, contact me, and I can tell you more!

Enjoy!

Melissa

Are you ready for house guests?!?

Every Thanksgiving my brother and his family stay with us.  Over the years I've tried to make their bedroom nice by adding interesting books and magazines, fresh flowers and pretty pictures of their wedding.   But the reality is they've had to cram a family of four into the smallest bedroom in the house and I'm guessing my little touches pretty much go unnoticed.  Well, this year, due to some recent swapping of rooms they get a much bigger room.  So I've been collecting tips on how to make guests comfortable.   Have fun making your guest bedroom special and enjoy the pictures!

THE BED.  Invest in a good sleep surface for your guests.  The sheets should be in good shape and freshly cleaned.  Good pillows go a long way to ensure a good night sleep and no cranky guests.   Make sure they have enough covers.  A down comforter is always a plus.

A PLACE TO GET AWAY.  Always nice to have a chair in the room when they need a little quiet time.

DESK.  A desk lets your guests do a little work or surf the web in privacy.  If you're short on space you can have a desk do double duty as a bedside table.

Southern Living - Photo Credit:  Laurey Glenn

NO CLUTTER.  Less is more in a guest bedroom.  Clear out the closet and dresser drawers.  Don't put too many things on the surfaces.  They will need space to put their stuff.

LIGHTING.  Have a good reading light next to their bed that they can turn off and on without getting out of bed.

WINDOWS.  The windows should have drapery or shades to provide privacy and block out light while sleeping.

Melissa McLay Interiors

TECHNOLOGY.  Always nice to have a TV in the room.  Computer and internet access would be great too.

THE LITTLE TOUCHES.  Put a favorite novel next to their bed, add fresh flowers, a clock with alarm, plus some basic toiletries such as shampoo and conditioner, lotion, and soap.  A welcome basket with these items is always an appreciated touch.  For the children, you can leave out coloring books and crayons, a couple children's books, small toys and a candy treat.

House Beautiful - Photo Credit:  Jeremy Samuelson

Better Home and Gardens

BATHROOM.  Include a night light, hair dryer, disposable cups or glass and of course fresh towels.  Offering bathrobes will really make them feel special.

Heather - Thanks for the topic idea!  

Please contact me if you would like help making your home pretty! - Melissa

Local Talent I

Many years ago my mom introduced me to the joy of finding beautiful hand crafted items by local artisans. We make annual trips to all the "good" local craft shows.  When we travel we always seek out the best in local crafts.  We look for pottery, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, clothing, furniture, textiles and artwork.  You get to meet the artists who create these items and learn how they are made.  They are always so passionate about what they do.  I treasure the items I've collected over the years.  Not only are they pretty to look at and usually one of a kind but they always tell a story.  Over the next few months I plan to highlight some great local artists.

Into The Night

It's with great pleasure that I introduce Ginny Kuhn, a very talented photographer, who also happens to be my neighbor and friend.   Photography started out as a hobby but now Ginny's work can be found in juried art shows and galleries through out Maryland.  By combining traditional photography with modern technology, Ginny has discovered how to make a photograph come alive by enhancing color and light and using creative artistry.

Her photographs can be made in just about any size and can be gallery wrapped or framed.  If you would like more information about the photographs please contact Ginny at ginny@ginnykuhn.com.    More of her photographs can be found at www.ginnykuhn.com.  Below I've listed Ginny's upcoming shows.  Enjoy her work!

Koi Running

Nice Breeze

Waiting For Lovers

Sand Soldiers

Driftwood

Powder Blue

Waiting For Global Warming

Antique Wood limited edition

A Good Day

Clown

Blue Crabs

Magnolia

Drifter

White Dory

Ginny also has a book of her photographs you can purchase.  It would make a great gift for the holidays!

Upcoming Shows

Berrywood Club House
Friday, November 19th
4 - 8pm
Saturday, November 20th
11am - 3pm

The Big Vanilla
Arnold location
Wednesday, December 1
7am - 8pm

St. Martins in the Field Episcopal Church
Saturday, December 4
9am - 3pm