A cocktail table and side table in a Deborah Wescelman-designed living room uses elements of different heights, shapes and colors to a neutral palette

Now that your holiday company has long arrived back to their home and the Christmas tree is down, you are probably thinking that the rooms in your home are looking void of décor and you need some design ideas and tips. Deborah Wescelman of Deborah Wecselman Designs in Miami, Florida is here to offer us some professional pointers. She has a refreshing approach to interior design that sophisticatedly combines minimal and eccentric designs. Her talent lies in her ability to mix elements from all different eras, styles and periods. She encourages a client to look at their personality and their own imagination that will translates into a great sense of style.

Here are a few of Deborah’s design tips:

1. Clean lines: furniture should come in basic forms: square, rectangle or circles—the cleaner, the better
2. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and prints. By adding primary-shaped furniture, it keeps the space “clean” and allows for abstract adornments that will not create a “busy” appearance.
3. Start with neutral hues then add unexpected pops of color: by using taupe, beige, cream, grey, black, white or brown (neutral) canvases, liven up the space with bold home accessories from bright yellow paintings to royal blue vases; unexpected pops of color add personality to any space

Deborah Wecselman was born in Lima, Peru and began her formal training as design associate in the store development department at Polo Ralph Lauren. She quickly rose to Senior Director of International Store Design, where she was responsible for the creation of more than 5,000 international shops and stores. For more information on Deborah Wecselman and Deborah Wecselman Designs, please visit www.dwdinc.com. 

This Deborah Wecselman-designed dining room combines the basic rectangle shape in the dining table, art and chandelier on their neutral canvas

This Deborah Wescelman-designed space features whimsical elements with great pops of orange. Deborah's special touches of flair are seasonless and require minimal revisions throughout the change of seasons.

“Festive table runners are easy to make and can give your holiday table or kitchen island that extra-added touch,” said decorative painter Patricia Presto, a design consultant for IPG (Intertape Polymer Group), a leading provider of consumer tape and packaging products. “To get started, you’ll need a plain table runner, stencils, paint, and a quality painter’s tape.”

Decorative painter Patricia Presto uses a small brush to paint on stencil snowflakes to a plain red table runner. A low-tack painter's tape such as Bloc-it holds the stencil firmly to the runner to ensure clean paint lines, repositioning and removal without leaving any residue.

Following is a complete list of the supplies you will need:

• Plain cloth table runner. Use a runner you already have, or find a low-cost runner online or at home furnishings store.  
• Free-form stencil and stencil paint. Snowflakes or festive trees are excellent choices, which you can find online or at your local craft store.
• Low-tack painter’s tape. Low-tack painter’s tape keeps your stencils in place to ensure a slip-free design.  Presto favors Bloc-it from IPG, which allows you to remove or reposition stencils without leaving any residue.
• Brown paper or non-stick sheet. This protects working surface from paint.
• Stencil paint and brushes.
• Paper plate and towels.

For complete video step-by-step directions, click here.

When the weather turns colder and the holiday season approaches, many opt to stay indoors and bake treats for friends and family.

“Pantry pests” are insects that tend to gather around food often stored in pantries and cabinets such as flour, dry cereals, spices, candies and chocolate. This is particularly a concern in the South. I tend to call ever common pantry pest a weevil, but it might be a weevil, moth or beetle, but no matter what it’s called, you don’t want it in your pantry.   

Here are some tips for keeping these pesky pests from spoiling your holiday baking traditions:

• Immediately wipe up any crumbs or spills from countertops, tables, floors and shelves.
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
• Only purchase food in sealed packages that show no sign of damage.
• Add a bay leaf to canisters and packages of dry goods like flour, rice and other grains—their pungent scent repels many pantry pests. (Love this idea!)
• Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
• Check expiration dates on baking ingredients before use.
• Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.

Source: The National Pest Management Association

I struggled finding burlap ribbon but found beautiful burnt sienna ribbon at Morgan Imports in Durham. For my readers that live in Florida, I noticed that Ballard Designs carries it in their Jacksonville and Tampa, Floria retail stores this holiday season. Sorry, but it’s not available at their Ballard’s Backroom locations.

This rose hip bouquet inspired my Thanksgiving table floral arrangement.

Hot Skwash is a family-run business founded by Daria Knowles in Oregon. Her experience as a Denver art gallery director and then as a stay-at-home with a creative passion for sewing, knitting and fabrics sprouted into something special. In 2002, she came across a gingham holiday pumpkin with a crude stem at a gift store and she knew this could be transformed into something incredible with the right fabrics and colors. After creating velvet pumpkins for several years, her friends, family and clients encouraged her to grow her creative talents by starting her own small business. Daria founded Hot Skwash, LLC, in 2008. Her keen eye for color, texture, and shape gives each velvety treasure its own personality and by working with local farmers, she’s able to recylce unwanted pumpkin and squash stems into pumpkins that Cinderella would be proud to have accent her home. And it doesn’t stop there, she employs other stay-at-home moms who share the same passion for the pumpkins which helps connect Hot Skwash to its roots and to then to your home.    

Daria Knowles' Hot Skwash in harvest colors

These gorgeous creations can be purchased online at www.hotskwash.com, but also through specialty retailers across the U.S. Georgia retailers include Atlanta Botanical Garden, Erika Reade Ltd., and Inner Pieces, all in Atlanta; High Cotton, Dahlonega; Yellow Bird, Dalton; Terra Cotta, Savannah; and Firefly, Thomasville.

Also, Hot Skwash graced the dinner tables of a special event/fundraiser for The Tony Blair Faith Foundation with Tony Blair this month in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dinner was prepared by Bay Area chefs Tyler Florence and Emily Luchetti. Click to see the fab-u-lous images featured on Inside Scoop. We also heard that Tony Blair tried his first s’more!

Daria, I’m so glad our paths crossed.

Daria arranging several Hot Skwash

According to Replacements’ Chairman and CEO Bob Page, “Not only were many of them produced prior to 1930 [but] most of the flowers and other botanicals painted within the last 100 years are represented in this acquisition. There are very few duplicates. Collectors are not likely to find these same pieces any place else in the world. We are absolutely delighted to add these rare pieces to Replacements’ inventory.”

Replacements' impressive Flora Danica acquisition includes more than 1,000 pieces, for example this exquisite tureen.

Sought after by collectors around the globe, Flora Danica is considered one of the most luxurious porcelain patterns ever produced and is one of the oldest patterns still in production. The Danish monarchy commissioned Royal Copenhagen to begin this pattern in 1790 as a gift for Catherine the Great of Russia, who died before artisans completed the original service. The pattern motifs and name are based on the historic botanical encyclopedia, “Flora Danica” which means “flowers of Denmark,” and features thousands of flora native to the Danish country.

If you’re not familiar with Replacements, Ltd., then you’ll need to be. If you’ve lost, broken or want to fill voids in your china, crystal, silver and collectibles wish list, then Replacements, Ltd. is your source. Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., Replacements, Ltd. carries the world’s largest selection of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. The company’s 500,000 square-foot-facilities house an inventory of nearly 14 million pieces from over 342,000 patterns. www.replacements.com

Southern Living introduces new column with interior designer Phoebe Howard

Southern Living introduces a new column with Phoebe Howard, interior designer and Southern style expert, in its November issue. The column will address life’s little “decorating emergencies,” says Howard, who will deliver practical advice and inspiration to commonly asked questions.

In the debut column, Howard tackles the common conundrum of how to arrange a coffee table by offering a simple, four-step formula. She shows how using key elements: something tall, one oddball object, something fresh and a stack of books can transform the look of any tabletop or space. She shows how this formula is illustrated in four decorating styles from traditional to mid-century modern and recommends some of her favorite coffee tables. Click here for a sneak peek at the premiere column: Mrs. Howard Coffee Table Column. 
 
Phoebe and her husband, Jim Howard, own Mrs. Howard and Max & Company furniture, antiques and accessories stores in Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach.

Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts opened Boxwoods Home at 56 E. Andrews, Suite 60

Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts recently opened Boxwoods Home across from their existing store on East Andrews and Paces Ferry Place. Dan Belman and Randy Korando, the owners of Boxwoods, masterfully redesigned the interior of the old Susan Lee store into a creative designer showplace for all your tabletop needs. As you move through the space, every room is a vignette of tabletop and tablescape ideas from casual to formal, so it’s easy to visualize items in your own home. Boxwoods Home offers china, silverware, glassware and barware including monogram options, linens, soaps, serving trays, books, and a large variety of home accessories from furniture to mirrors to candles and other tablescape accessories like napkin rings, place mats, place card and cupcake holders. Some of the unique lines that they offer customers include Arte Italica (made in Italy), Casafina, Beatriz Ball and Pamela Tidwell’s Vieuemps porcelain, to name a few. Bridal registry available. Boxwoods Home, 56 E. Andrews, Suite 60 at Paces Place. 404.857.1335.   

Since pictures are worth a thousand words, take a trip through Boxwoods Home through my photos taken on Friday.

Boxwoods Home Italian tablescape

This gorgeous, colorful and fall festive centerpiece beckons to be taken home.

Just one of several completely set tables at Boxwoods Home. Everything from the table to the place card holder is available.

Boxwoods Home feather place mat

Boxwoods Home Beatriz Ball line. The perfect home serving piece or bridal gift.

How lovely is this bird place card holder?

Unique napkins rings await a lovely napkin

Boxwoods Home peapod hostess set

A feminine ballet dancer sculpture adorns the master bedroom hallway.

Since the family room designed by Patricia McLean of Patricia McLean Interiors Inc. (pictured on pages 74-75 of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles – Sept. issue) and master bedroom designed by Meg Adams and Kellie Griffin, Meg Adams Interior Design (pictured on page 82 of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles – Sept. issue) are adjacent to each other, the space is divided with a long hallway which eliminated the need for a door between the spaces. The hallway is simply but elegantly accented with a rug and sculpture, which lets you know visually that you’re transitioning into a completely new space in the house and lures you into discovering what that will be.  

The ladies’ sitting room designed by Janie Hirsch of J. Hirsch Interior Design would be the perfect place to hang out with a visiting girlfriend who’s using the adjacent guest bedroom which adjoins this room. Spend time together here before moving into more formal areas of the house. I loved the use of the numerous feminine touches throughout the room including this wire dress sculpture by Susan Freda through dk Gallery in Marietta.

This wire dress sculpture by Susan Freda represented at dk Gallery in Marietta is well positioned in the ladies' sitting room.

What was called the “kitchen office” I’ve renamed the “lady’s office” because we know who really needs the home office—us girls. This is the hub of the house’s administrative operations which was designed by Nancy Duffey of Scout for the Home, with so much style. I love the efficiency of the working space while accented with items that make you smile while you work: a bird’s nest lamp, a dog bed, original art, photographs and an orange and white throw (in case you get chilly while paying all those bills).

The lady's of the house office is functional and beautiful.

More photographs of the Lotus House can be viewed at www.atlantahomesmag.com.

The master bedroom bath, by Meg Adams and Kellie Griffin of Meg Adams Interior Design Inc., is a step into luxury and style. It includes a spacious vanity area, shower, a his and a her water closet, a his and a her closet, a laundry room with a utilitarian shower in addition to the main laundry—I assumed it would be great for doing the master bedroom’s sheets and towels and whatever you might need a half utilitarian shower for in the master bath. The lady’s water closet (the toilet) is uniquely feminine and is recognizably hers with the use of gold and white wallpaper above crisp white marble walls below, a gold shade and original art on a retractable stand.

The master bath at the Lotus House

The master bath vanity in the Lotus House

The lady's water closet is decorated with gold and white wallpaper, a gold shade and original art.

Take a peek into the lady’s master closet, dressing area and luxury make-up table. This is where it would all come together for us girls. The closets was designed by Peggy Snider-Houghton, Closets and More. 

A peek into the world of us ladies, our make up area and closet.

The home has a beautifully designed kitchen that was decorated by Christy Dillard, Dillard Design Group, LLC, which Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles photographed beautifully (see September 2011 issue page 72); but I was more fascinated with the caterer’s kitchen. It wasn’t one of the official 29 decorated spaces, but I found the room to be just as warm and functional as an every-day kitchen. The caterer’s kitchen was designed, as the name implies, for a caterer to operate from for the homeowner’s many parties and entertaining. I could function just fine in here on a day-to-day basis.

This corner of the primary kitchen had fabulous accents including a rosemary plants, specialty food products, cutting board, a colored ceramic bowl and a photo.

The 2011 Atlanta Symphony Decorators’ Show House & Gardens' caterer's kitchen

The 2011 Atlanta Symphony Decorators’ Show House & Gardens' caterer's kitchen

You’re prepared for something dramatic as you ascend the narrow spiral staircase or elevator to the roof top designed by Dan Belman and Randy Korando of Boxwoods Gardens and Gifts. The view will blow you away but the use of striking blue-and-white colors in the furniture and accessories will blow you away again. I loved the use of a driftwood cocktail table and the natural-straw colored lounges which accentuates the real wood-burning fireplace and the outdoors. 

The roof top of the Atlanta Symphony Decorators’ Show House & Gardens designed by Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts

The lotus pond atrium—hence the home’s name, The Lotus House—centers the home literally and figuratively as the lotus pond ties the first level to the outdoors. Randy Korando and Dan Belman of Boxwoods Gardens and Gifts reinforces that exterior spaces should be as thought out as the interior spaces. The lotus pond atrium is an excellent example of a clean, classic and calming home element.   

The lotus pond in the 2011 Atlanta Symphony Decorators’ Show House & Gardens called the Lotus House

The dining room by Melanie Turner of Turner Davis Interiors has all the glitter that you’d expect in a classic Hollywood movie star’s home back in the days, but it’s all contemporized for a stylish family living in Hotlanta. I loved the combined use of sofas and nail-trimmed chairs around the two dining room tables which gives this a restaurant feel all accented with crystal chandeliers, vintage mirrors and a polyptych painting by Tom Swanston.

I renamed the “sitting area” (as it was called throughout the project) within the dining room the “dining room lounge,” because it feels like a luxury hotel bar lounge. Although it’s in the dining room, it’s also just off the large wet bar (pictured further below). The starbursts (which I’ve seen at The Mercantile in Brookhaven) and the original art work make the space work as its own entity. 

Sign me up to bartend for the evening in this wet bar designed by Nancy Duffey, Scout for the Home. The space within the wet bar area is enough to support several bartenders or the home’s host and hostess to serve guests at the cocktail-height bar area and into the “dining room lounge.” I love the symmetry of the wine grotto and storage cabinet as well as the use of black and white photography framed with generous white mats and silver frames and the room’s crisp white accents. The champagne glasses add that bit of glamour that you need off the “glam” dining room and “lounge.”      

Get my perspective on what I found interesting in this home but garner your own ideas on what you could do with the spaces in your home, but pick up the September issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine to see more photos and their complete resource guide.

Day 1: A young lady’s bedroom and bath – It’s all about color

This young lady’s bedroom might be saying “I’m something special and I’m showing off my uniqueness with bold color, dramatic fabrics and style.” Janice Palmer and Manisha Kulkarn of Y design International defined this young lady’s bedroom that’s all her own whether she’s still living at home or just home during college breaks.

Pops of color are added in this young lady’s bathroom vanity too, with a selection of colorful everyday’s items like a toothbrush, toothpaste and beauty products (pictured below).

An array of colorful bathroom towels add more bold colors while an orange feather headdress makes a bold color statement and a feathery femininity to the space (pictured below). I saw the feather headdress at Jonathan Adler on Howell Mill recently for just a mere $725 retail.

A peek at the Southern Living Plant Collection's new and improved web site

Thinking about replacing those summer perennials with something for fall or ready to spruce up the yard a bit but unsure what to buy and where to buy it? Then check out Southern Living Plant Collection’s new and improved web site. The site now offers new features such as “In the Garden” which has ”expert advice” and “care tips” on how to care for the plant varieties in your garden. The site also has a “Where to Buy” search tool and “Find Your USDA Growing Zone.” For those of us in Atlanta—we’re in Zone 7—it lists the annuals, shrubs and bulbs that should do well in our area. And for my mom, a Southern gal that now lives in Montana, they even have shrubs and bulbs that do well in your area…sorry, no annuals for your zone. See the new and improved site at www.SouthernLivingPlants.com.

Another With a Southern Twist garden story worth reading: Feb. 22, 2011, Southern Living Plant Collection Springs Videos.

GE Appliances' new refrigeration water filter recycling program recycles 100 percent of the refrigerator water filter.

If you drink water that comes from your refrigerator’s dispensing system instead of plastic bottles, you’re already helping keep plastic out of our landfills. Now GE can help you take that one step further by recycling your old GE water filters and you won’t have to spend an extra dime, or haul anything to a recycling center.

The program is designed to recycle 100 percent of the refrigerator water filter. The plastic part of the product is “pelletized” and re-used. And the charcoal filter is re-used in landfill liners that help prevent substances from leaching into local water supplies.

When you order a replacement water filter from GE, you’ll receive a free recycling kit for your used GE water filter. The kit includes a pre-paid mailing label and envelope to make replacing your water filter even easier. Changing the filter every six months helps maintain clean drinking water from your refrigerator’s water and ice dispensing system. Applicable filters include models MWF, MSWF, MXRC and GSWF. To order your GE replacement water filter and receive your free recycling kit, visit www.geapplianceparts.com or call 877.690.7115.

Several key items to start your own emergency preparedness kit. I prepare to store contents in a Rubbermaid Action Packer which can be found at Walmart.

Tips for a Basic Emergency Kit:

• Water – One gallon per person per day for at least three days
• Food – At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Clothing – A change of clothing and a sleeping bag for each person
• Filter masks – To cover mouth and nose if necessary. Two to three layers of a cotton T-shirt and towels will also work.
• Duct tape, heavy weight garbage bags and plastic sheeting to protect against debris and toxins
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• First-aid Kit – Contents should include sterile gloves, adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, iodine/alcohol pads, medical tape, pain reliever, emergency Mylar blanket, thermometer, prescription medications and prescribed medical supplies.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Waterproof, portable containers – For documents like IDs, insurance policies, bank account records, site maps, employee contact, computer backup files, emergency and law enforcement information and other priority documents. Store a second set of records at an off-site location.

Take a jar, whether it’s new or an antique and fill it with anything and everything from collectibles to things that you need on a daily basis. My favorite jelly jar is the one from the French Bonne Moman jam manufacturer with its distinctive red and white checkered lid. I keep everything from seashells and other beach finds to homemade pesto, kosher salt and pine nuts in these jars. I found the Weck canning jar (pictured below) at an antique store in Chamblee, Georgia and filled it with sand dollars. If you like the Weck and can’t find them I see that Crate & Barrel carries a nice selection of Weck canning jars. Click here to see Crate & Barrel’s Weck canning jars.

Seashore finds in distinctive Bonne Moman jars

Sand dollars in a Weck canning jar

3M Command Damage-Free Hanging for frames and artwork

Hang it anywhere, safely and without damaging your walls with the 3M Command Brand Sticky Nail Sawtooth Hanger for hanging picture frames and artwork. As a post note to the Frame It story, I used the sticky nail sawtooth hanger to hang a framed piece in my wood paneled kitchen so it wouldn’t damage the wall. Additionally what I liked about it is that the hanger is the closest thing I could find to a nail and its available options will hold 1 lb., 3 lbs. and 5 lbs. Many retailers carry these but I found the best selection at Home Depot. Click for 3M coupons.

Here’s one bit of advice from a professional picture hanger when asked: What’s the most common mistake folks make when they hang artwork? Answer: They hang it too high. Here’s a easy rule of thumb when hanging framed pieces and artwork: hang at eye level. Now if you’re really tall or really short you might make a bit of a height modification for an average person’s height.

Bennett Street in Atlanta has been famous for its antique stores, art galleries, furniture stores and more but it’s going through a bit of transition right now as many of its retailers have move, predominately to Miami Circle. But there are still several antiques stores there but one in particular that’s worth discovering is Interiors Market. Its 30 different dealers are laid out in vignettes that twist and turn throughout the 10,000-square-foot space. See a wonderful array of photos from Interiors Market, 55 Bennett Street NW # 20, Atlanta, Ga. below. www.interiorsmarket.com

English silverplated honey jar with glass liner

One of a pair of mirrored and crystal scones

This Interiors Market's vendor carries furniture, lamps, mirrors and home accessories.

Plates, plates and more plates line many of the walls in their "china rooms."

Aluminum tricycle, circa 1930s

Soir de Paris Bourjois Perfume vintage advertisement

One of a pair of English mahogany urns knife boxes with ebony string inlay, circa 1880.

An assortment of Baccarat, Waterford and English cut crystal decanters

Fortuny-style silk hanging lantern

Wendy: How did your painting called “Two and One” come to be the cover of The Help?

Ellen: The art director for Amy Einhorn Press…called me out of the blue. She had found the painting on the Internet, and thought that the birds were the perfect metaphor for the subject of the book (of the three [main] characters, there always is one character feeling like they are on the outside of the group). They had been through over 90 other concepts and were happy to find an image they all agreed on. I was delighted to be asked, and as it was a first-time author, the first book for the imprint, and my first trade book cover, I never imagined that it would go on to be so amazingly successful. After I read the book however, I was not surprised at all. The original painting is more blue and green, so they pumped up the color, and I think it gives a warm, southern heat to the idea.

Wendy: Why do you have such a personal connection with nature and how is that reflected in your art?

Ellen: Wow, seems like an easy question, but it turns out to be existentially difficult to answer. I think every painter reflect[s] the personal connections to the section of the world they choose to paint about. If I am painting a landscape or a bird, I try to be blank-mindedly open to what I’m seeing. I want to paint it all, but my inclination as a painter is to paint out all the distracting details and focus on the parts that are interesting and vibrant. I love to go birding, especially during warbler migration here in New England. But my favorite birds to paint still seem to be the everyday backyard birds that visit my city balcony. They’re not exotic or flashy, just everyday gorgeous.

Ellen’s beautiful landscape and nature oil works of art are featured in several galleries across the U.S. including two galleries in the South: Anne Irwin Fine Art in Atlanta, Ga., and the Warm Springs Gallery in Warms Springs and Charlottesville, Virginia. “The Help” is in theatres today, Wednesday, August 10th. See the official movie web site at thehelpmovie.com. If you see the movie before I do then comment on what you thought.    

Little Red Soloist by Ellen Granter 12 x 12 at Anne Irwin Fine Art on Miami Circle in Atlanta, Ga.

Georgia On My Mind by Ellen Granter 12 x 12 at Anne Irwin Fine Art on Miami Circle in Atlanta, Ga.

Blue Bird by Ellen Granter 24 x 24 at Anne Irwin Fine Art on Miami Circle in Atlanta, Ga.

More than 500 rubber toy ducks descended on midtown Atlanta recently to kick off a new exhibit on bathroom design at the Museum of Design Atlanta. (PRNewsFoto/The Titan Agency)

MODA is the only museum in the Southeast devoted exclusively to the study and celebration of all things design. MODA examines how design affects our daily lives through feature exhibitions—like this one—on architecture, industrial and product design, interiors and furniture, graphics, fashion and more. 

WaterDream is currently open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays until September 26. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and students with a valid ID. Museum of Design Atlanta is located in Midtown at 1315 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. The museum does not have dedicated parking but it recommends parking at the LAZ Parking at 1337 Peachtree Street. For more information, visit museumofdesign.org or call 404.979.6455. 

WaterDream: The Art of Bathroom Design exhibit at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) through September 26, 2011. Photo courtesy of Raftermen Photography.

Screwpull Classic Lever Model

The Original Lever Screwpull invented in 1980 is my overall favorite for home use. Its ingenious engineering and ergonomic design makes it easy to open even the toughest corks including the new synthetic corks which will break most of your less expensive corkscrews. Its incredibly strong, non-stick coated screw opens 2000 bottles before it needs to be changed. Screwpull Lever Models come with a ten-year warranty. S.R.P. $80.

Screwpull Original Corkscrew and Foilcutter

The Original Screwpull Corkscrew and Foilcutter set is perfect for a picnic, or any outdoor event where you want a more compact corkscrew and foilcutter with its self-pulling screw that makes cork removal fast and easy. It’s encased in a small combo box that travels easily. S.R.P. $25.

Screwpull Cork Catcher

If you’re celebrating any special occasion the Screwpull Cork Catcher makes opening a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine easy especially when there’s the need to keep the cork controlled. You’ll still get that pop and excitement but without the risk of injury that you want when you open Champagne or sparkling wine. The Screwpull Cork Catcher was a Housewares Design Awards “Best in Category” winner. S.R.P. $20.

Screwpull products are available in gourmet stores, select department stores and wine specialty shops.

• Stop Mail – Go to USPS.com and put you mail on hold online. Choose to either pick it up or to have the U.S. Postal Service deliver it the day you specify. They’ll hold for 3 to 30 days. I’ve never had an issue with having the mail held by the USPS but if you’re not comfortable with having it held, then ask a neighbor to pick it up.
• Stop your Newspaper(s)- You should have your papers stopped by arranging a vacation stop online or via the phone for the time frame you’re away. You can typically have your account credited or have your papers donated.
• Take out the Garbage – Make sure you take out all your garbage that might stink up the place while you’re away.
• Adjust HVAC – Adjust your home’s thermastats to a higher temperature so you’re not paying for the air conditioning while you’re away. 
• Time Your Lights – Set an array of lights and lamps on timers so it looks like you’re home. You can pick up timers at an home improvement or discount store.
• Turn off Hot Water – Turn off hot water heater at circuit breaker so you’re not paying to heat water when you’re away.
• Turn off Water – If you’re gone for several weeks, you might even consider shutting off your home’s water at the main water source. This will protect you in case you have a pipe break and endure water damage to your home.  Just make sure that you’re main water source isn’t tied into your yard’s landscape sprinklers.
• Water Plants – It’s hot and you’re deck and patio plants will get thirsty. Have someone water your plants or if you have a sprinkler system place so they’ll get watered automatically while you’re away.
• Unplug Cable Box(es) – According to Clark Howard, your home’s cable boxes can be the largest energy users while you’re away so he recommends completely unplugging the cable box(es) which will save you electricity and money. 
• Lock Up – Lock all windows and doors.
• Set Alarm- If you have an alarm system make sure to set the alarm and if it’s monitored confirm that the security company has alternated numbers to call like your cell number, a neighbor or family member.    
• Let Neighbors Know – Tell a few neighbors that you trust that you’re away and to keep an eye on your home. Let neighbors know how to reach you, in case of emergency.

Now hit the road and enjoy your summer vacation.

Anne Irwin, owner of Anne Irwin Fine Art, also announced that she’ll be relocating the gallery to The Shops of Miami Circle in July. She will be in great company on Miami Circle with its street of furniture, antique, lighting, rug and home accessories stores and art galleries.

Anne Irwin Fine Art Gallery is currently located in Buckhead at 25-D Bennett Street NW, Atlanta. Additional information is available through the gallery by calling 404.352.1855 or by visiting www.anneirwinfineart.com.

“Paris Colors on a Cold Day” by Barbara Flowers is 9” x12” and retails for $900.

Barbara Flowers' "The Varsity" painting, 8" x 10," $800 - SOLD

Use a company's owner's manual for troubleshooting or call their toll-free number for support.

I’m the handywoman around our house—thanks to my dad who can fix anything but had three girls to pass on his knowledge—so doing fix-it-up projects around the house can be rewarding when completed but more importantly it saves us money. Have you had to call a service repair person lately? Just the service call fee alone will make you grab you heart? Ouch. I’m pretty good at most fix-it-up repairs but when it comes to electrical issues I can handle the basics without electrocuting myself but tackling any of the small or major appliance repairs is way over my head. But I’ll share a tip that has saved us a lot of money and in most instances gave me immediate results or at least makes me much more knowledge about the situation if I do need to call in an expert. I feel if you know what you’re talking about when you call a repair company that you’re less likely to be taken advantage of from the service technician. So whether it’s a small or major appliance, garage doors openers, tools, etc. most of these companies have a toll-free number offering free technical support. Most companies have this number listed on your original manual (if you’ve saved it or can even find it) or via its web site. Most of these manuals have a “Troubleshooting” section so you might peruse through this first. You might be able to resolve your issue even before having to pick up the phone. If you still need to call, then be prepared by having the item’s model and serial number as well as being able to describe the issue. I’ve found in most instances that they’ve helped me with knowledgeable advice, been able to diagnose the problem over the phone and/or given me an authorized dealer for parts and/or service. Let us know is this information helped you and how.