A Rustic Home

Wash me . . .

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:02:12 -0800

Recently, all the fires raging all around California have left a layer of dust on our plants. Which reminds us, we all need baths including our plants.

Remember that your plants breathe through their leaves. With so much smoke in the air (and, of course, no rain for months) your garden might need a good washing. Even if you don't live in the area, look at your house plants - are the leaves covered in dust? They good use a bath. Gently, wipe the leave with a wet towel to remove the grime.

And when watering the garden, it is best done in the morning. This gives the plants a chance to drink before the water evaporates in the middady heat. Watering late at night isn't usually a good idea since the water will take longer to evaporate, risking diseases from excess moisture.

Happy Gardening!

Rustic Home & Garden

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:54:21 -0800

Bear at Home is pleased to offer a full line of SPI products. Since 1973, SPI artists have created some of the most extrodinary treasures for the home & garden.

Through the years, SPI has earned a reputation for unique design and quality craftsmanship. We are pleased to offer these quality products for your home.

Whether it's a Rustic Bear with Lantern to brighten your way, Garden Bear to guard the gate or a Bear Door Stop - each piece will become a cherished keepsake for years to come.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:04:12 -0800

“I look into the window of my mind

Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind

I step out of the ordinary

I can feel my soul ascending

I am on my way

Can't stop me now

And you can do the same”

I wanted to share with you a little of Heather Small’s “Proud.” Everyday, we face challenges. And, everyday we have a choice - we can succumb to our fears and the labels that others try to place on us, or we can go boldly forward. There are plenty of people who are more than happy to tell us we can’t. It is up to you to decide you can!!

So I ask you, “What have you done today to make you feel proud?”

Look around. The answers are there.

Have you decided not to let others define you?
Be proud of your convictions.
Have you decided to step off the diet rollercoaster to seek healthier, sustainable choices?
Be proud of your choices.
Have you decided to celebrate the beauty that is you?
Be proud of who you are.
Have you decided to face your fears and doubts and leave them behind?
Be proud of your strength.
Have you stopped living for tomorrow and embraced today?
Be proud of your courage.

Be proud of every step you take to decide your destiny. And embrace everyday as a chance to make yourself proud. Step out of the ordinary.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Tip of the Month - Kitchens: 5 Essentials + what to give away

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:15:22 -0800

Summer is here - a great time to declutter the kitchen!

Since more of us will be cooking outdoors this time of year - why not take a look inside your kitchen and toss or donate items you no longer use. To get you started, here are some ideas:

TOSS: chipped or broken dishes, glasses or mugs; pots & pans that are burnt or rusty; excess plastic containers missing their tops or bottoms; broken appliances; and stained cutting boards.

DONATE: duplicate sets of items - especially glasses & mugs and don't forget those ugly souvenirs!; appliances or gadgets you no longer use; pantry items you haven't used in a year; inherited items you don't use (if there is a great deal of emotional attachment, store these items far away from the kitchen); threadbare dish towels; and ugly serving pieces taking up valuable real estate in your cupboards.

BUT, don't give away these items that PHA thinks are essential for every kitchen.....

Microplane Zester: great for grating Parmesan cheese, chocolate, ginger and nutmeg
A Santoku knife, serrated bread/tomato knife, a good Chef's knife and a paring knife - only four knives I ever use
Colored cutting boards - a great kitchen tool - red for meat, yellow for poultry, blue for fish and green for veggies, bread and fruit
Immersion Blender - an easy way to make 'faux' creamy soups without any cream!
A good stove-top grill pan - comes in mighty handy on winter or rainy days!

Happy Summer!

PHA – Affordable, Sophisticated Home Decorating & Staging, Moving & Relocation and Organizing Services.

A NAKED BABY

Fri, 30 May 2008 16:27:52 -0800

Recently, I was strolling along the beach with the dog, somewhat oblivious to my surroundings – either deep in thought with regard to the meaning of life, or perhaps it was that my morning coffee hadn’t quite kicked in, yet! When all of a sudden he appeared – A NAKED BABY!

Ok, I am not really a prude, but I still somewhat taken back by nakedness. One rarely encounters nakedness accidentally. But, lo and behold this little chap (I’d say about 3 years old or so) was definitely naked! And, he couldn’t have been happier.

My new little friend was with his dad and the family dog. The dog and Jr. were frolicking at the water’s edge. Occasionally, a wave would rise up and dampen the little guy only to be met with peels of laughter. He truly didn’t have a care in the world, nor did he have any inhibitions about his nakedness. All was right with the world!

So naturally, I had to over analyze this. At what point do we become self conscious? Does it happen naturally or is it imposed upon us by society’s norms? So, I did a little research. It seems preschool age is about when children begin forming opinions about themselves and when they are influenced by the comments of parents, other significant adults (teachers) and their peers. Other studies suggest a slightly earlier age of around 3.

My guess is my little friend’s naked jaunts on the beach have a pretty short remaining shelf life. In a year or so, his own sense of self will prevent such carefree abandon. And, thus begins a path of self consciousness that will remain into his golden years. For many, this begins the path of body awareness - we will spend the rest of our lives analyzing, critiquing and fretting over our bodies.

Am I jealous of my little buddy? Absolutely! Imagine a day at the beach with out sucking in my gut or worrying about what was jiggling. A day without worry what others were thinking. A day without counting carbs. A day to shed off age-old inhibitions and just live.

Imagine for a minute, if we could just recapture that carefree abandon of running naked in the surf. When we didn’t judge our bodies, when we didn’t compare ourselves to beauty standards imposed by an industry trying to sell us perfection – if we only took this pill, wore these clothes, but this product, etc . . . Imagine how happy we could be. How we could focus on life’s important lessons. How we could learn to love one another for the beautifully unique creatures that we are.

Ther's a bear in my tub

Sun, 25 May 2008 10:25:45 -0800

Ursine friends for your rustic decor. These bears bring a little bit of the great outdoors to your rustic bath. Don't worry, they don't bite.

Bear Toilet Handle is guaranteed to will bring a smile to each of your guests. Installation hardware included. Specify side or front handle placement, as well as finish color.

Black Bear Lodge Decorate your home with these bath accessories from Bear at Home, your online source for all things bear.

The Brushwerks™ Bear for the Bath collection includes lotion dispenser, rinse cup, toothbrush holder, soap dish, paper towel holder, drawer pulls and drawer handles. The perfect addition to any bear's den.

Maskwa Ridge Bath Collection™ Maskwa is the Cree word for bear. In the Cree tradition the bear, the most intelligent and powerful of land animals, is also a symbol of healing. These are a deep brown with bear paw print impression. This collection includes lotion dispenser, toothbrush holder, soap dish, tissue cover, paper towel holder and rinse cup.

Visit our Big Sky® site for the complete collection of Bearfoots® for the Bath items and all of the rustic accessories for your bath from hardware to towels.

You will always have a bear in your rustic bath.

Hang in there . . .

Thu, 15 May 2008 10:32:28 -0800

With over 2000 items (and growing!), you’re bound to find something from Big Sky Carvers that is a perfect fit.

Full of whimsy and sometimes mischief, our collectible collection of Bearfoots® are sure to entertain. We ask a lot of our crew of little bears. We've got them holding business cards and candles, hugging fish, climbing trees and playing golf.

Big Sky Christmas Ho! Ho! Hold on a minute! We’re having a hard time moving around Big Sky Carver’s North Pole workshop; it’s piled sky high with Christmas gifts just itching to get under your tree.

Montana Lifestyles Montana Silversmiths traditional western line up of distinctive home furnishings includes sculptures, picture frames, cookie jars, western figurines, Christmas ornaments, and other home decor accessories.

Brushwerks Bear These bear visitors capture the outdoor for you to enjoy at every meal. Don't fret about the prints on the black rim-they know better than to step in your dinner or on your bear dishes!

Maskwa Ridge Maskwa is the Cree word for bear. In the Cree tradition the bear, the most intelligent and powerful of land animals, is also a symbol of healing. These are a deep brown with bear paw print impression.

The collection includes serving bowls, cookie jar, mugs, salt and pepper set and spoon rest. There are also items for the bath.

Happy Mother's Day . . .

Sun, 11 May 2008 14:59:44 -0800

From all of us at Bear at Home, we take our hats off to all the moms out there . . .

We know how hard you work - cooking, cleaning, holding down careers - all the while you manage one of the most important jobs is the world . . . Motherhood.

From scabby knees to the measles, to puppies and goldfish, soccer and carpooling, homework and bed time stories, baths and washing behind the ears - the list never ends - nor do your days. You're the coach, the teacher, the confidant, but most importantly you're the mom!

May your world be filled with tears and laughter, pride and joy. May there be quiet moments and time to breath. Some days are dark, some are sad - but no matter - for there is a little soul looking up at you, trusting you and unconditionally loving you.

Children are fragile little creatures that break easily. Remember words can be harsh. Be patient, be gentle, be honest and you will be the world to those little folks. Love them, protect them, be firm with them when necessary - and you will be amazed at the remarkable men and women that will blossom in front of your eyes.

You have an awesome responsibility, which at times can seem overwhelming - but remember everyday is another chance to be a parent, a friend, a mentor - and most importantly - a mother.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy No Diet Day . . .

Tue, 06 May 2008 15:01:57 -0800

International No Diet Day (INDD) is an annual celebration of body acceptance and diversity. It is observed on May 6 each year.

Dieting represents a huge money maker to the industry, despite is high failure rate. Only 5 to 10 percent of us succeed, but we all contribute to the staggering $40 billion in revenue amassed by the weight-loss industry annually. By the year 2006, revenues are estimated to top $48 billion.

According to Bankrate’s “10 things the Diet Companies Don’t Want You to Know”: All three of the largest national weight loss chains -- Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and LA Weight Loss -- continue to make millions in revenue. In 2003, Weight Watchers' revenue was approximately $943 million, while Jenny Craig saw $280 million and LA Weight Loss climbed from revenues of $105 million in 2001 to $250 million and counting in 2003.

According to the Marketdata's John LaRosa, costs of these programs vary regionally (franchises have latitude in what they charge) and individually. On average, joining Jenny Craig will set you back between $199 and $299 initially, plus $70 per week to buy its meals. Weight Watchers charges $29 to join and between $8 and $12 per week for meetings. LA Weight Loss sells a year's program in advance and averages $575 for a full year's service. Costs could go higher, depending on how many of the company's bars and supplements you buy. Marketdata Enterprises, Inc., is an independent Tampa-based market research firm.

There is big money in making you feel bad about yourself. Advertisers have a vested interest in selling you an unobtainable ideal. Since, you can never actually reach you goal, you keep buying. Beyond the financial costs are dieting are the true costs to your health and self-esteem. One of every 11 commercials has a direct message about beauty (this isn't counting the indirect ones).

So, today get off the diet roller coaster. Stop doing that to your body. Restrictive diets deprive the body of much needed nutrients and the weight tends to come back once you resume normal eating habits.

Instead of dieting, why not vow (and what better day than “No Diet Day” to do so) to eat healthier. Most of our diets could be a little healthier (Ok, mine could be a lot healthier). Eat more green things (and I’m not talking about the moldy donut you found rolling around the backseat), drink more water, and get out there and move.

If you’re not exercising, think about a walk in the park at lunch. Take the dog to the beach or the woods – whatever is nearby (he’ll thank you, too!). Go out and buy yourself a nice pair of walking shoes, and treat yourself to a little fresh air.

Finally, most diet ads are about making us feel bad because we are not supermodels. C’mon, you’re not really buying that are you? Appreciate your body – it has done a lot of wonderful things for you. It is you – uniquely you – embrace it. Find time to pamper it. Be nice to it. Don’t deprive it!! The cliché is that it’s what’s on the insides that counts, well – I can promise you until you start to feel good about you, it won’t matter what shape you’re in.

Stop, think about all you’ve accomplished. What have you done today to make yourself proud? We’ll deal with tomorrow, tomorrow.

Tip of the Month - Easy Organizing

Sun, 04 May 2008 09:12:47 -0800

....shoes piled up by the front door?

buy a large basket to create easy storage.

...trouble finding your keys/wallet/cell phone?

a small basket by the front door will keep your items where you need them.

...an under utilized shallow dresser drawer?

small baskets or containers inside the drawer can hold - jewelry, scarves, socks, ties, belts, etc.

... a catch-all drawer in the kitchen?

small baskets/containers in this drawer can corral like things together for easy access.

Happy May!

PHA – Affordable, Sophisticated Home Decorating & Staging, Moving & Relocation and Organizing Services.

A day at the beach

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:17:22 -0800

This past weekend I was in Tahoe. The dog and I wandered off the beaten path in search of a quiet spot for him to roam untethered, when we stumbled upon a nude beach. If you haven’t been to a nude beach lately, it is an interesting exercise in body acceptance.

It takes a lot to let it all hang out – literally. Initially, a self consciousness makes one very aware of one’s flaws. However, you look around, realize no one cares and then it’s just another day at the beach!!

Ultimately, it is you that needs to be comfortable in your own skin – clothed or not. Sure you might have some flaws, but who doesn’t? I am not suggesting you seek out a nude beach to build self esteem – but consider the freedom. Not caring what others think. Not worrying about covering this or hiding that. Just being you.

Oh, and if you do elect to go to the nude beach, bring sunscreen!! Trust me!!!

Remember mom

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:18:49 -0800

Mother's Day is Sunday May 11, 2008

With over 2000 items (and growing!), you’re bound to find something from Big Sky Silver Jewelry that is a perfect addition to her collection.

The things we do for love . . .

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:21:10 -0800

The other day, I went into the boyfriend’s medicine cabinet for a Q-Tip.

How was I to know what lurked inside? What I saw would fill my nightmares for weeks . . .

A toothbrush, toothpaste, a razor, shaving cream and a hair brush.

How could that be? Where was all the stuff? There must be product here somewhere? Distraught, I confronted him immediately? “Where is it?” I demanded. “Huh” was his simple reply. Oh, don’t play games with me, Mister – no one could live such aesthetic existence!

There were 5 – count ‘em 5 – items in his grooming repertoire. That’s just wrong!! All, I wanted was a Q-Tip - is that really asking so much?

That evening, I went home and opened my own medicine cabinet; three things immediately fell out and spilled all over the sink. I perused the supplies that keep me the natural beauty that I am -

There we tweezers, wax, paste, hair spray, hair gel, hair relaxer, hair curler, pore strips, 7 different moisturizers, 4 toothbrushes in different stages of use - including the one I use to clean the grout behind the sink, four half-used packages of floss from dentists who over the years have held high hopes for improving my dental hygiene, mouthwash, dental picks, the head of a long ago discarded electric toothbrush (hey, I can use it for something), 3 types of toothpaste, whitener, whitener strips, anti-wrinkle crème, line reducer, astringent, toners, Witch Hazel, cotton puffs, cotton swabs, Q-Tips, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and matches -- all used for sterilization, Band-Aids, Motrin, Tylenol, Sudafed, Imodium, Afrin, Calcium pills, Nail polish of all colors -- one in a bright shade of green (even I don’t understand that one), bottle of nail polish remover, Tums, a cough drop from the 1992 flu season, Calamine lotion, Pepto-Bismol, a prescription bottle from 1998, emery boards, toe nail clippers, finger nail clippers, a nail brush, three bottles of varying SPF sun protection, bronzer, peroxide (what was I thinking?) spray in highlights, six shades of henna, various soaps and little bottles appropriated from every hotel I’ve stayed at in the last three years, and a variety of colognes that were meant to allure, but usually simply overwhelmed (remember the 80’s and Polo?) And this is not to mention, the variety of remedies that are tucked away under the sink.

I work hard at keeping every thing this natural!! I wax, tweeze, pluck, strip, moisturize, tint, blend, blush, powder, tease, straighten, bleach, shave, spray, clip, tuck, lift, pad, etc – all in a day’s work. And he has the nerve to simply shower and go?

OMG, I hope he gets jock itch; at least it’ll add something to his medicine cabinet.

Earth Day

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:50:48 -0800

Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth's environment.

Global observance originated by Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in, and since January 1970 also called Earth Day, is celebrated in many countries each year on April 22.

History of Earth Day - Learn all about how Earth Day was started

Organizer's Guide - What can you do to help celebrate Earth Day in your community?

Earth Day 2008 Calendar - Find events in your community

Free Online Plant Information Database

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:23:28 -0800

Are you looking for a source for a special plant? Are you looking for an expert gardening Web site for information on growing plants in your area?

Want to learn more?

Expert Advice