This month we decided to take a detour off of our monthly design blog and pay a special tribute to all beautiful Mothers!!
On Mother’s Day, we sit aside TIME to honor all Mothers, a special day to acknowledge their love and devotion to their children and grandchildren.
Ask any Mother and she will say the most precious gift to receive is TIME. TIME with her family and TIME for herself. Flowers, jewelry, perfume and handbags are all terrific gifts for any Mom, but TIME is priceless.
We’ve taken some TIME to offer a few creative suggestions to let Mom know just how much she means to you! Suggestions that go beyond one day, ideas that will spark new habits and will continue to give all year round (to both of you)!
Get Physical
Ride bikes together, take a hike, walk in the park or go kayaking. Create the best of TIMES and new healthy habits challenging yourselves with activities that each of you will enjoy. Make a date once a month to connect and plug in to your relationship.
FOOD
Treat Mom (and yourself) to a new restaurant each month for a year. Have fun trying new cuisine in a variety of environments and locations. You will have a ball sharing memories of the past and planning for the future. Food and drink have a soulful way to connect and celebrate life’s achievements.
TIME to Make a Reservation!
Learn Something New Together
So fun and so easy — teach your Mom all of the tricks on her i-phone and she can teach you to knit! Enroll in an art or jewelry making class OR think big and take horseback riding lessons. Exploring opportunities and combining your interests will be exciting for both of you and a way to learn something new about one another. TIME after TIME, no matter where you go or what you learn, the companionship you share will be cherished forever.
When one class ends, find another!
Volunteer Together
Combining your interests may be the right outlet for both of you to lend your TIME and talents to. You will find it especially rewarding devoting your energy to a variety of opportunities in your community. Senior citizens, the parks, local animal shelters and youth groups are a few volunteering opportunities that are available within most commonwealths.
TIME to give back!
Write YOUR Family History Book Together
Our Moms and Grandmothers are our very own history teachers. Take TIME researching your family’s history and heritage with the women (and men) in your life. Connect the dots and the years, finding your ancestors and learning where you come from and your DNA. Have fun traveling the world exploring your story! Collect photos, interview family members, research articles, write it down and create your very own family history book to pass down for generations to come.
This is definitely a gift that will give for a lifeTIME.
Hire a Professional Service for Mom
What a treat to have your lawn mowed, house cleaned or car washed on a regular basis! Giving Mom TIME off to do other things she finds enjoyable just makes life easier! Be creative with services that are meaningful to her. Grab her “honey do list” from the fridge, call a handyman service and put a check mark next to everything on her list!
She will appreciate the thoughtfulness and be grateful for the TIME saved.
Have fun crafting plans that are suitable for the lifestyle and relationship for you and your own Mother. We are confident even the simplest gift of your TIME will be appreciated and loved, creating new habits and traditions that will fill the memory bank!
Our office is full of strong nurturing Mothers and devoted daughters, all grateful to the women in our lives.
BRAVO to Patty, Patty, Debbie, Lisa, LaDonna, Jennifer and Tina – The Moms of LL&A, We LOVE You!!
~ No language can express the power, beauty and heroism of a mother’s love.
As working women, we are all a combination of strong, independent, talented and resourceful achievers. Our personalities all vary which create the melting pot within our work family. Each of us have our own interests and outlets which we thought would be fun to share in this month’s blog. From recipes to rest – check us out and enjoy!
Leslie:
In order for me to do what I love and do my very best work – I must be my very best self and also the very best wife, mother, daughter, friend, co-worker and tribe member! Steps for me to be my very best self start with these little things that make a big impact on my daily life.
Give thanks and begin every morning with a simple, thankful prayer and a great cup of coffee. Believe in the miracles that are presented to me each and every day. My new favorite acronym is GDT – “God Did That”.
Let go of expectations. Not much surprises me anymore and I just try to smile and roll with it! See the opportunities that are presented to me each and every day as a new way to stretch, grow and learn.
Disconnect and get outside. I love to run, ride my bike or catch an exercise class. Physical fitness always makes me feel better afterwards.
Finally, I love getting home, putting on my comfy clothes and giving thanks for a full day while enjoying my wine! My new favorite toast is “Thanks Be to God!”
And So It Is!
Tammy:
Yoga is my ticket to a healthy me.
Practicing yoga is an essential part of my life. It takes the focus off of life’s daily challenges, routines, commitments and overall “noise” that the day can present. Yoga supplies me with time to myself to be quiet and thankful for all things and people that surround me. It allows me to go somewhere else in my mind and focus on myself, unplug and put myself to rest.
Some days it may be a simple 10 minute stretch before I start my day with a few cat/cow, forward bends and downward dog. Another day may be a little more intense with 30 minutes on my mat. But my favorite time spent are the classes I attend at Heat Yoga. I am blessed with two great friends who are yoga instructors who have taught me the tools and techniques to experience the most from my practices. I can turn up my time with a Bikram flow or dial it down with restorative – whatever my body and mind need. I customize it for myself. I especially enjoy hot yoga and love a good healthy sweat. It feels like I have been cleansed from the inside out and walk away feeling calm and detoxed. Yoga works for me, after 10 years I am not an expert by any means, but in my world I feel confidant in my skills and feel stronger after each practice.
Namaste.
Dawn:
Staying organized is the key to my sanity.
If something comes in, something must go out!With clothes it’s easy to get overwhelmed quickly, so whenever I purchase something, I look at my closet and get rid of something.I use the “one-year” rule. Anything that hasn’t been used or worn within a one-year period is fair game!By doing this I’m able to keep my wardrobe manageable and my closet space needs to a minimum.
Go to the grocery store armed with a menu and a list!I spend a little more time at home to look for the items needed to prepare the menu meals, but I save time and money at the store. Meal Prep!I don’t mind leftovers so I will prepare one or two meals over the weekend and use them the following week as a main meal or a portion of my main meal.I try to keep a cut up salad or cut up veggies on hand to use as well since cutting veggies is time consuming and during the week I don’t have a lot of time to cook.This helps me eat healthier foods and stay away from the “quick meals” that can be very tempting, but unhealthy, when I’m tired and don’t feel like making dinner.
Whitley:
I’m a bargain shopper through and through. Clothing, furniture, home accessories and everything in between. I VERY rarely pay full price for anything – call me cheap, but I prefer resourceful! In addition to bargain shopping, I’m also a looker. I love to browse and wander aimlessly through stores (in hopes of coming across a great deal, of course).
Here are a few of my favorite spots to get lost.
*note: I’m a firm believer that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I have a slight obsession with thrift/antique stores. Walking through these stores is like exploring a magical treasure trove. You never know what you’ll find!
Furniture & Home Accessories
Mellwood Antique Mall – If you’re local to the area and love thrift shopping, this is a must! Booth after booth and room after room, they have it all. Clothing, home accessories, furniture, jewelry – you name it!
Joe Ley Antiques – Again, another local must! Quirky and so much to see. I love the history behind old/vintage items and they have so many unique finds!
Peddler’s Mall – Commonly referred to as a “flea-tique”, some junk and some gold. That’s the thrill of the hunt!
Habitat ReStores – ReStores offer both new and used items. Profits from Habitat ReStores are used both in your local community and around the world, so a win-win all around.
HomeGoods – This one shouldn’t need an introduction. A good place to rummage for deals if you’re weary of secondhand!
I also love attending local arts and craft fairs. Check out Fleur de Flea or The Flea Off Market!
Clothing
Thrift stores – Louisville has A TON of cool thrift stores. Think more “boutique” setting and less Goodwill (although Goodwill can be a great option too!).
TJ Maxx – Many of my clothes come from here. Discount retailer with both boutique/designer brands.
Nordstrom Rack – I worked for Nordstrom for several years so this will forever be a favorite of mine. A vast majority of the merchandise here is from Nordstrom (AKA designer looks at a fraction of the original cost!). I almost always buy my designer shoes and handbags from here. Great prices/great quality on clothing and accessories!
If you feel up to the challenge, check out some of these spots!
Sarah:
Makeup Mania! I’m such a “when you look good, you feel good” kind of girl which is probably why I am such a makeup guru! I love cosmetics and skincare products.Yes, I am confidant in my own skin, but appreciate products that enhance my features, skin and complexion.
I love experimenting with new products, techniques and looks, but of course have my favorites that I cannot live without.
I love Smashbox’s Studio Skin foundation. It’s a full coverage foundation, has a dewy finish, is cruelty free, and doesn’t break the bank!
My next go to is Kat Von Dee’s Shade & Light Contouring kit. I have tried a variety of different bronzers and this is by far the best formula in my opinion and is the most economical.It is easy to use and the results are flawless.
My favorite products that are a little more expensive, but worth the investment are Becca’s Champagne Pop Highlighter and Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. The Becca’s highlighter will give you a summer glow even in the dead of winter.Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray is awesome. Afteryou finish your makeup routine, mist on your face and you are good to go for the next 24 hours! This is by far my favorite and a must have.Being in our field, we are constantly on the go in the rain, snow, wind and heat, and this product will stay with you.When I am not working, you can usually find me outside with my Fiancé and dogs either boating, fishing, or camping. Needless to say that the Urban Decay setting spray is agodsend – no matter what I am doing or where I am at I’ll have a fresh look all day. #cannotlivewithoutit
Looking my best and putting in the effort makes me feel confident and the best version of myself.As women, a little polish is all it can take to bring out the best in us! #lookingpretty
Lauren:
I love to cook for family and friends.
I’m a fan of the Pioneer Woman’s recipes. They are usually easy to make and are crowd pleasers every time. I found this one to be a favorite of my husband’s, Cody.The Pig Cake. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s delicious, simple and perfect for any party or potluck!
FOR THE CAKE:
1 box (18.25 Oz. Box) Yellow Cake Mix
1 stick Margarine, Softened
1 can (14 Oz. Can) Mandarin Oranges, Drained, 1/2 Cup Juice Reserved
4 whole Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
FOR THE TOPPING:
1 package (4 Oz. Box) Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
1 can (20 Oz. Can) Crushed Pineapple, Juice Reserved
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
4 ounces, fluid Frozen Whipped Topping (such As Cool Whip)
Extra Mandarin Orange Slices, For Garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For the cake, combine cake mix, margarine, 1/2 cup juice from the mandarin oranges, eggs, and vanilla. Beat for four minutes on medium-high. Add drained oranges and beat again until pieces are broken up and small. Pour batter into greased and floured 9 x 13 inch baking pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. Once cake is cool, blend juice from drained pineapples with the vanilla pudding mix. Add powdered sugar and mix, then mix in whipped topping. Stir in drained pineapple. Spread on cooled cake and refrigerate several hours. To serve, cut cake into squares and top each square with a mandarin orange slice and a smile!
We hope you enjoyed a peek into our fun-filled world.
When the time comes to consider what window covering products are best suited for your needs, the process may be overwhelming.
Determining what your individual needs are is the best place to start, whether it be privacy, light control, or simply decorative purposes. Manufacturers are offering a variety of products in fabric, woven horizontal and vertical shading systems, metal and wooden blinds, and motorized options.
Woven roman shades offer a simple privacy solution with added texture.
Horizontal screens provide subtle privacy and sunlight control to this conference room as well as versatility to raise and lower.
2” metal blinds are perfect for high traffic spaces. They offer durability and versatility with no interference to overall design concept.
Consider the rooms purpose.
We will educate you on each product and their suitability. With so many choices, each offering their own benefits, we can align you with the proper products and finished look.
Solar shades offer the perfect understated solution to this space. Motorized to raise and lower to meet the demands of the sun, yet subtle to compliment the wood walls and beams.
2” wood blinds were the perfect solution for these elegant wood paneled walls.
It’s all in the details.
Fabric, trim and hardware build the perfect soft treatment by adding pattern, color or texture. This combination of silver metallic wooden poles, crystal finials, beaded trim, button detail, tiebacks and lush fabric produced a stunning custom window treatment scheme in this formal master bedroom.
The combination of silver metallic wooden poles, crystal finials, beaded trim, button detail, tiebacks and lush fabric produced this stunning custom window treatment scheme in this formal master bedroom.
A splash of color, pattern or texture on any window will add flavor to your room. Window treatments are like that perfect piece of jewelry to a favorite outfit, a room is just not complete without them.
Combine a sheer with a pop of color and bold stripe.
Soft subtle texture.
We love the way these smocked jute panels frame this sweet reading space.
Asymmetrical draperies with custom bedding components.
We are proud to offer an extensive fabric library to customize drapery panels, valances, pillows and bedding. Let one of our professional designers put together a look tailored specifically for you!
$250.00 window treatment consultation is rebatabletowards purchases of $500.00 or more. Professional installations are provided.
As 2018 comes to a close, we have so many great experiences and memories to reflect upon. Like many of you, whether it be personal or professional, our successes are measured by relationships we have encountered, prosperity, commitments, appreciation, health, faith and dedication.
Taking the M out of “Me” and making it a “We”! We are dedicated to our profession, valued clients, families, friends and all the ones we love, (including our “fur children”).
We are committed to providing a service that results in exquisite work and home environments.
We are prosperous in creativity, our work facility, supportive colleagues and most of all a happy work place!
We are healthy and grateful.
We have faith that there is always a solution, always another day and we will always figure it out.
We appreciate all that has been given to us in 2018.
Thanks to all that have supported us this year, our clients, suppliers, sub contractors, builders, vendor representatives, neighbors and community.
Looking back on 2018, our team is grateful and each of us want to share a thought for the year end.
“I’m thankful for our hearts that can love, our hands that can help and our minds that can imagine great things!” – Leslie
“Watching the changing seasons of life surrounding me within the people I love has been exciting to see. I am grateful for our health, the love and the peace within our lives – cannot wait to see what 2019 has in store!” – Tammy
“For me, 2018 was a year to be grateful.I am so appreciative to have a wonderful support network of family and friends!Having worked in many different environments, I am so grateful to have a positive, peaceful, professional, and happy group of ladies to work with every day!” – Dawn
“At the end of this year, I am thankful that my blessings are bigger than my problems! I am grateful for the support from my amazing husband, family and friends who keep me grounded and remind me what is really important in life when I get too busy to remember myself.” – Lauren
“For me, 2018 has been a year of many milestones, personally and professionally. I have proven so many things to myself and hit a lot of the goals I set for myself this year. I couldn’t have done it without the wonderful and inspiring people I surround myself with everyday.” – Sarah
“As 2018 comes to a close, I’m most thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such strong, intelligent women here at LL&A. It’s truly been rewarding to have their daily guidance and support.” – Whitley
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to intern at LL&A! I learned skills I never thought were needed in the interior design field, such as building chairs and shelves and using power tools. My mom would be proud, and maybe a little scared that I am left alone with power tools!” – Rachel
We are 7 strong and proud – ready for 2019! Ready or not, here we come!
As 2018 comes to a close, we have so many great experiences and memories to reflect upon. Like many of you, whether it be personal or professional, our successes are measured by relationships we have encountered, prosperity, commitments, appreciation, health, faith and dedication.
