Sunday Stewardship: Father’s Day Decorating, How To Get Out of the Way

Sunday Stewardship: Father’s Day Decorating, How To Get Out of the Way

Happy Father’s Day

In an effort to decorate for a Father’s Day Celebration, I have to laugh at something so silly my husband offered up…

“Just get it out of the way”

I love an abundance of fresh flowers on the table. Here they sit in one of my kitchen sinks getting washed & prep’d

As in, just get the decoration out of the way so I can:

1. See you across the table

2. Set my drink down

3. Get at the salad

I had to laugh. Isn’t that the way? We set a gorgeous table with all the things we love and what does he want most? For me to get it out of the way :)!

I am actually flattered

So, next time – in good cheer – I will save the fancy for Mother’s Day or a Girlfriend Brunch

I will save the over load for the women in my life who love to over do it a bit as much as I do 🙂

Decorator Overload = Me Fun

Decorator Overload = Him Not so Fun

I hope your Father’s Day brings blessing to you and yours

And may you know that our Father in heaven is perfect – even as we are not. Even as we over decorate, under perform or just wake up not so perfect in our day to day.

Happy Father’s Day.

“Live a custom life. There is only one you.”

xo Ann

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ps: If you liked that quote, please pin it. Let’s let the men in our life know they don’t have to be perfect. Let’s take some of the pressure off and just love them as they are today. Even & especially if they don’t like our over done decor :)!

pps: we are transitioning over to www.annmcdonald.net bit by bit. If you’d like to receive email updates, you can subscribe here. We’d love to have you!

Tuesday Tidbit: Perfectionism to Panic in Decorating. Three More Tips…

Last week we shared three tips to keep perfectionism at bay

What happens when perfectionism (we think) is “under control” and then it morphs into panic?

Yes, panic can come in a can 🙂

Not that anyone can see our panic. We get so good at hiding it.

Decorating Panic usually hides in phrases like this:

“I would naaavaaa use that….”

“OMG, she used what?! I mean ruhueaaallly, how 2003….”

“Those are so passe….but he has no idea….”

Tip # 1: Don’t give into the EMOTION of panic

There are times listening to our emotion is ok. Inside a panic decorating moment is not one of them. Let me say I know what it’s like to flip flop over the perfect shade of “insert any color here”. But giving into my emotion on those colors or fabric details just puts me in a place where I lose a week or two at a time! I try to remind myself that at some point I must decide and move on. Easier said than done – which leads me straight into tip # 2. Created so I could actually complete a decorating job on time!

Tip # 2: Set Boundaries of Time + Space for Decisions

We live in time and space. Get ruthless about setting boundaries for your decisions. And walk away. Just like your favorite tv show may leave you hanging for a week, sometimes you just have to walk away from a decorating decision to avoid panic. We get too close to “the perfect couch” and somehow believe it will change our life. It won’t. It will make it prettier, better and softer 🙂 but it won’t change the whole shebang. So walk away. Get some perpective. Call one of those friends that brings you back down to earth. For heaven’s sake don’t call the friend that flips out over Prada…ok, well, maybe that’s ok, but call in another friend as well to bring you BOTH down to earth

Tip # 3: Make decisions in 7 year increments

I say this all the time. If it’s good enough for ancient Israel, then it’s good enough for me. Let your land lay “fallow” every now and then. Realize that just like your life will change, your decorating will also (I hope). Do the best you can today – for the next 6 – 7 years and then put it to bed.

Panic: sudden fear sensation that dominates & prevents REASON & LOGICAL THOUGHT

Don’t let it take you down this summer when all the decorating demons & gorgeous slip covers & gorgeous summer parties come out! 🙂

I will try with you. We can do it together. And if I panic – am putting on my Prada. What say you?!

“Live a custom life. There is only one you.”

xo Ann

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PS: We will be transitioning over to http://www.annmcdonald.net in the next few weeks for our blog & doing some super fun things with media. Stay tuned. We are really excited, completely over booked but looking forward to walking daily along side in this messy thing called life in our new format. Will let you know when it is up & ready.

Have a great day. Never perfect, just is. xoxo

Tuesday Tidbit: Three Tips I Use to Keep Perfectionism at Bay in Decorating

Tuesday Tidbit: Three Tips I Use to Keep Perfectionism at Bay in Decorating

Tip 1: Imagine people living in the space.

Drinking coffee, eating at the table, emptying the dishwasher, folding laundry. I literally think about how they will navigate the space and get used to the movement as I am planning the decor. It helps remind me that books are not static items to look at, dishes will get stacked in cupboards and laundry will get thrown into a chute or hamper.

Tip 2: Go all out on Decorations they will use.

I spec out the best french press, the most beautiful laundry hamper, the gorgeous tea pot. I try to spec out lovely UTILITARIAN items that my clients touch each day. I believe it elevates the process & engages stewardship of space. These things are meant to be used, loved, washed, drunk out of. It’s like style points daily.

Tip 3: Practice using something fancy TODAY.

Yup. I’ve said it before, I will say it again. What are you waiting for? Use the china, eat breakfast in the dining room, drink your wine out of your crystal tonight. I absolutely love making the everyday the holy part. The truth is, the every day IS the holy part. And the person sitting next to us is deserving of our best.

Why are these my perfectionist breaking tips?

Because it isn’t until we realize that NOTHING is ever perfect that we start to break the cycle. That ordinary morning cup of coffee will never be perfect. Buy the French Press & make it in the French Press anyway. That perfect party you are planning in your “Martha” head will not materialize peacefully unless you practice using the gorgeous today & get comfortable with it. And it still won’t be perfect when you throw the party.

Tuesday Tidbit: Some takeaways from my own perfectionist in recovery heart…

What are your tips?

How do you get thru these tendencies?

Share!! We need the blessing of each other!!

“Live a custom life. There is only one you.”

xo Ann

Monday Matters: Perfectionism is the Death of a Great Room

Monday Matters: Perfectionism is the Death of a Great Room

I believe:

Yup. There, I said it. I believe it will all my heart. Doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with it, but it’s true.

I think it’s particularly troublesome in the aesthetic industries

We all look for it

To it

But the truth is, we can never achieve it. Ever.

How does it manifest for you?

Is it in your personal life but not professional?

Maybe it’s only in your professional life but NOT your personal life

Let me know!

I can’t be the only one 🙂

Tomorrow, we tackle a few things that can help. At least they have helped me. Help me.

Monday matters & so do you.

Are you in? Can we beat this thing together?

“Live a custom life. There is only one you.”

xo Ann

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PS: Tweet it, pin it, share it…print it! You are worth so much more than getting stuck in a perfectionist mind set!!

Sunday Stewardship: And We’re Off Again…

Sunday Stewardship: And We’re Off Again

Dare I say the only people that could get me on a plane back to NYC inside of 10 days are Jonathan Adler & Aerin Lauder?

Well, truth be told I’ve never met them. But it sounded cool!

We are actually headed back to the smallest town in America for BlogFest & ICFF

Stewarding some friendships that are indeed precious

Decorators & Designers…we are sometimes a wacky bunch.

Stewarding some (business) relationships that are blessings

Kravet. The very first piece of “Designer Furniture” I bought on my own way back in…well, let’s just say it had a “199_” handle was from Kravet. I STILL have the sofa. It is a solid piece of wonderful furniture. The linen velvet is still holding up. Amazing.

And grateful for a family who supports this girl (woman, wife, mother) who feels called to steward a business at this time in life

We only get one go around & sometimes we just have to “do”

What is your call at this time in your life? Are you equipped for it? Are you excited about it?

What is your stewardship today?

What relationship, friend, business, thing…..do you need to care for today?

It’s Sunday. Time for faithful worship & rest….& stewardship of what YOU are called to do

What is that today?

A garden, a fellowship, a relationship?

“Live a custom life. There is only one you.”

xo Ann

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PS: We will try to keep you updated on the things that we “take away” that will make our lives easier, more of a blessing. The itinerary has a stop at Kips Bay (photos this time), quick reception at Jonathan Adlers, visit with HGTV Magazine, Aerin Lauder, Kravet and more. Am actually very excited. Rather school girl of me.

Saturday Stuff: How To Embrace Spring Around The House Without Going All Perfectionist!

Saturday Stuff: How to Embrace Spring Around The House Without Going All Perfectionist!

Perfectionist. Ouch.

High Achievement. Goal.

I like high achievement. I struggle with perfectionism. What about you?

Next week in Decorate Like A Pro is the module attacking this head on. It’s a doozy.

But right now, I am in humor mode

Organic kitchen garden

Slipcovers

Storage

Moth balls

Harvest seeds & plant food & make your own mulch

No gluten

No this…no that…

Yes this…yes that…

Argghhhhh

Perfectionism means I have to try and duplicate this in my own kitchen garden…holy cow batman…not for me…but why oh why do I get looped in?! A nice raised bed with some wonderful herbs & veggies will do just fine…..but maybe….no…yes…argh! You??

Can I just go to Starbucks with a cool pair of designer sunglasses & get whip on my latte?!

Ok….I know, but how did Spring turn into a test?

Over the next few days we will go thru some of the Spring things we really walk with clients thru & what some of the newer things they are asking for

My tip for the day? Don’t get all competitive at your local flower market today

Just be you

Saturday Stuff: It’s Spring!

“Live a custom life. There is only one you.”

xo Ann

Tuesday Tidbit: Making Time For Design

Tuesday Tidbit: Making Time For Design

As I cleared the decks in the office yesterday afternoon

Ran some long overdue errands

Broke some tile, had to ask for forgiveness from a gracious client

I realized I hadn’t been making space for Design lately

At least not the kind of space I need

Do you need to clear the decks to get into your Design Groove?

Where do you do your best work?

Starbucks?

Living Room Sofa?

From A Gracious Home Blog. Image Linked. I could tea it up here & design some fun stuff…

Back Porch?

It was nice to get some clear flat surfaces to just rest my eyes & think about some projects upcoming. Let me know what you have on the books. Are you thinking about a new remodel? A spring refresh?

Tuesday Tidbit: Take the time today!

“Live a custom life. There is only one you.”

xo Ann

Monday Matters: What’s Got You Ticking Today? Is Your Space Helping or Hurting?

Monday Matters: What’s Got You Ticking Today? Is Your Space Helping or Hurting?

I hope you had a relaxing weekend

I certainly enjoyed some down time after a long week of travel to the East Coast

Shot a cross bow for Mother’s Day

Yup. That was new.

And then I went into my semi-neglected (due to travel of course, not laziness:) Studio

Arggghhhhhh

Today, I am trying not to be overwhelmed

I thought this was funny! Too much travel lately & another trip to NYC in a few days for ICFF & BlogFest.

Today I am trying to center (thank you Jesus!)

Today I am facing my Space & dealing with those things that have been right in front of me that need to be cleared

What about you?

What has you ticking today?

Have you shot a cross bow recently?

I highly recommend it. Had no idea how fun it could be. All safety rules apply please!

As my girlfriends were at the Club with their beautifully dressed daughters I was being led by my son in Crossbow Safety. I can honestly say I NEVER thought that would be my Mother’s Day adventure. It was delightful & quite funny. Tip # 1? Don’t wear heels!

Is there something you need to tackle this Monday morn?

My space was hurting my productivity & mood

Time to tackle. Time for better ticking.

Monday Matters & so do you.

Let me know – or better yet – share with a friend – we cannot walk it alone. Let your friend know you are not perfect & have no intention of being any time soon.

Amen. Remember failure & being wrong do not equal death. We’re human.We need to get comfy with both!

“Live a custom life. There is only one you.”

xo Ann

Thursday Spotlight: What’s A Girl to do When Tech Fails? (Could It Be My Skill Set….naw….)

Thursday Spotlight: What’s a Girl To Do When Tech Fails?

Could it really be my skill set?!

Ummmm, yes Ann

Do you ever have those tech days?

You know, the ones that seem to go along fine and then *bam*

When you need it most, somehow your language setting goes from English to…Chinese? And you don’t speak or read Chinese?!

Then, in a moment of brillance you decide to “de bug” yourself, because after all, it is *so easy*

Ha! Say the computer gods……

Is it ok to call in a prayer team for tech issues?!

How about you?

Do you ever suffer from these things?

As a general rule, I embrace tech, even if it is on my Asus Gaming Computer which holds CAD like a baby

But today, after my day of conferencing when I needed the portable (albeit old) mac to work for me and my team, it didn’t

My skill set is not the greatest on the mac, I confess

But still – how in the name of the good and loving God did I change the language on Firefox?!

Oy.

Spotlight: Sometimes it shines on our weakness!

🙂

“Live a custom life. There is only one you.”

xo Ann

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ps: some great happenings this week in the Decorating World! Be sure to check out Kips Bay if you are in NYC.

Wednesday Style Points: Let Them Help You Through the Day

Wednesday Style Points: Let Them Help You Through the Day

Style Points – it’s that fun & sometimes funny place where our inner nerd with fears & goof ball antics meets our inner desire to be on trend & beautiful

I really do love style. Personal. Individual. Group. All of it.

There is something so radically beautiful about true style

It isn’t about being on some list or getting into some group, it’s all about being who you are, where you are & why you are right now

Seriously freeing

What is your style today?

What is it that you embrace?

Are you loving how you are looking on the inside AND on the outside today?

That is a major struggle for me. I have never struggled with my weight before like this – whoa baby – and it’s hard!

But getting to a place where I am embracing my “Style” is helping

I love getting dressed. It simply makes me feel better. I have tried to wear a t shirt and I have a visceral reaction to it! As in ewwwwwww. But I have seriously stylin’ friends who can rock a t. They laugh with me & I with them. Not at eachother. With. What is your style go to?

It’s also helping me make time to take time to take care of me & get back into the shape I like – one that is healthy – running, swimming – all of it

Where are you?

What are those style points you go back to?

Do they help you get comfortable so you can achieve your best today?

Does your inner nerd meet your inner desire for beauty?

I hope so!

Style points: you have them, I KNOW you do!

Rock them today!

“Live a custom life. There is only one you.”

xo Ann

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ps: today? you rock. tomorrow has enough trouble of its’ own.