The Home Idea Factory

One of the questions I get asked the most is how I ever decided to become a Lifestylist®, and where did I get my training.

I’ve been called a storyteller many times and it’s an accurate assessment – I use my talents and materials to tell a story in a home. Hopefully this story explains to the potential homeowner why their lives would be better by living in this home, and what they can expect from the community, the builder, and from the experience. To tell the story, I collect thousands of items – old and new – that I incorporate into my LifeStyled homes.

This weekend I decided it was time to go through some of the things I’ve collected, and it’s been quite a trip down memory lane. I discovered a trunk I forgot about that had family photos from the early 1900′s that gave me a glimpse into my family history I hadn’t been aware of. Through this discovery I’m finding I come from a very artistic family full of risk takers. This ostrich photo with my great aunt will now always be one of my favorites.

It seems I’ve been in the media longer than I remembered for my decorating skills. My mother and both grandmothers were very talented in the design fields, and I was lucky enough to be nurtured and inspired by them. This article from 1969 shows me as a 13 yr old showing off some of my skills with my mother and sisters. Apparently I also had my own booth at the church bazaar selling paper flowers and copper enameled jewelry that I made. What’s funny is that after seeing this, I may have to try this again – it’s really a fun idea!

I’m honored to be a Lifestylist®, and I love having the opportunity to help others find their passions in life. This holiday season remember what makes you happy, and share that passion with your friends and family – you might even find a new career by doing it!

It’s hard to believe that I used to look like this, but I wouldn’t go back to those days for anything. I’m open to meeting in the middle though, and a lot of what’s important is not necessarily looking good but feeling good. Even if you look amazing but don’t feel that way, what’s the point?

I’m fortunate enough to have the resources to find people who can help me achieve my goals, and I’m going to start working with a very special individual that there isn’t a set category for. Dr. Larkin Page has made a name for himself in the Miss America network by training quite a few of the girls who have been Top 10. He understands that beauty comes from within, and I’m looking forward to his help. Don’t worry, there are no pageants in this Lifestylist’s future, I’m just looking forward to feeling like a winner

Lifestylist® Beauty is all about feeling beautiful inside and out, and we’ll be sharing our journey there – join us!

One sure sign that summer is almost over is the sales of colorful, outdoor inspired items at the stores. A lot of the department stores start clearing this merchandise our right after the 4th of July to make room for school items, but the home decor stores tend to wait until Labor Day weekend.

One of our Lifestylist® inspired blogs is Dollar Store Decors – items that cost less than a latte. I was out shopping for the 5 new model homes we have to install mid-September, and I was amazed how many cool things that fit this criteria that were giveaway deals, and I also found some great items that I’m going to use to display my “pick-ups” from my summer travels.

World Market was full of treasures today -up to 90% off! I found this great chair and two others that were marked down to $9.95 – 90% off. They had two great outdoor dining tables that were at the same savings, but I tend to collect tables and I know I didn’t have room for them. But the chairs had such great style, I know I’ll be able to re-purpose them in a living room, or use them as seating in a guest room. I’m tempted to paint them with a metallic paint or possibly a turquoise color, have cushions made and really make them special – at under $10.00 I don’t have much to lose.

The painted table was a find at Hobby Lobby where I was able to find two matching ones at 80% off. I loved the colors and character they had, and I’m thinking about stacking them and using them as a display piece. What do you think?

I’m also collecting glassware and baskets that I can use to display my pick up pieces – I love picking up found items when I travel as a memento instead of buying a T-Shirt or shot glass. I’ll share how to make picture frames and other ideas with these later, but I’ve got to get back to my model home shopping and taking advantage of these sales – I’ll let you know what else I find soon!

I made a great discovery the other day while I was out exploring at The Home Idea Factory. A Cardinal started being agitated by my presence, and when I looked to find out why I discovered her nest! There were 4 beautiful blue speckled eggs in it, and since I had my camera with me I was able to get a few photos before she ran me off.

Yesterday I decided to go back and see if they had hatched yet and sure enough, when I  got closer I saw 3 little heads poking out at the top. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I thought they were some of the cutest things I’ve ever seen. They had a lot to say – hopefully Mom came back soon to feed them.

As with any wild animal, I was very careful not to touch or disturb anything around the nest and the babies – disturbing them can make the mother reject them. I’m looking forward to watching them grow up and someday have nests of their own.