Today more than ever, people have been turning their backyards into their own relaxing getaway spots. When they come home from work they want a place where they can sit and forget the stresses of the day. an outdoor glider rocking chair makes a perfect addition to any porch, and with the right cushion, can easily be your oasis right in your very own home.

Once you’ve found the right chair, a rocking chair cushion is first and foremost the main thing to look for to complete your outdoor glider rocking chair set. these do not have to be purchased separately however. you can purchase them together online or even at your favorite home improvement store.

You don’t need a cushion to have a good rocking chair. Some people prefer cushions on their chairs as it makes the chair more inviting and is much softer to sit on.

When purchasing an outdoor glider, make sure to note how it feels when you glide or rock. these motions have been proven releases of stress on the body, and can help slow down your body after a hard day at work. The soothing rocking or gliding motion should feel right to you. Don’t buy simply by the look of the chair. think about the feeling as well.

If you buy a high-end chair, you shouldn’t need to worry about leaving it outside year-round. Outdoor glider rocking chairs are made to withstand all weather conditions and there shouldn’t be a problem.

When buying your cushion, try and find one that contains a warranty. sometimes the ones without warranties are not made well, and may tear or break apart. This is not what you want if you plan on leaving it outside along with your chair.

Outdoor Glider Rocking Chairs

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The last time I tried to ride a roller coaster, I passed out.

“Mom’s favorite ride is the wheelchair,” my kids like to boast.

So folks might be surprised I’m hooked on watching Bert the Conqueror on the Travel Channel. a new reality show, Bert Kreischer travels throughout the country in search of the most insane thrill rides and adventures. to date, many of Bert’s episodes focus on roller coasters, which are much way more fun when you’re watching someone else ride them from the safety of a cushioned living room chair.

Not all his adventures are thrill rides, however. For instance, last week Bert showcased the Redneck Yacht Club in Punta Gorda, Florida. a man named Danny Kelly developed Redneck Yacht Club out of over 800 acres of his family’s former spud farm, transforming it into a mud track, three mud holes, camping, and more. the place is covered in, well, mud. the episode ended with Bert in a rousing mud hole belly-flop contest. 

Funny thing about mud: I never thought much about it until I watched a bunch of big-bellied men like Bert flopping in it. you hear all sorts of negatives about mud, like when someone says, “your name is mud,” or to, “be prepared for a little mud if you pray for rain.”

Take butterflies, for instance. over the years, I’ve planted bunches of butterfly-attracting plants and bushes in my garden, and this year has brought more butterflies than any other. Blue ones, yellow ones, orange ones and more mix with hummingbirds and have a grand old time out my back window. Turns out, bushes and flowers aren’t the only things that attract butterflies. This year’s rainy spells leave a lot of mud behind, and mud makes a butterfly garden flourish. Butterflies, not unlike Bert the Conqueror, participate in a festive habit called mud-puddling. They roll and splatter and flutter in the mud—not because of a belly flop contest—but because they gain important minerals and nutrients from mud, which they can’t obtain from flowers.

Mud benefits another inspiring piece of nature, too–lily pads. Lily pads can’t grow without sticking their roots deep into mud at the edge of ponds, where they suck out nutrients, grow, and send out rhizomes–sorta like plant babies–to make more lily pads and whole lily pad colonies. The colonies become sheltering places for all sorts of critters like beavers and muskrats, ducks and geese, frogs and salamanders, bugs and bees.

If there’s one thing I learned from Bert the Conqueror, it’s when you jump in the mud—no matter who you are—you end up covered in it.

Sure, some step in mud on accident.

Some wallow in it.

Some wrestle in it.

Some make mud pies.

And some folks just like to sling it.

I don’t know about you, but the next time I’m in a pile of stinky mud, I’m gonna think about Bert, butterflies and lily pads, sink my roots deep in the nourishment of a messy situation, and share the resulting growth in a way that provides shelter and a soft place to land.

This week’s column « Amy K. Sorrells

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The existing cushion is approx. 60" wide x 48" height with more material to wrap around a metal bar at the top & bottom. Since it is outdoors, I need a weatherproof material. I'd appreciate any info, thanks!

buy a vinyl tablecloth and some cushion from wal-mart. make the measurements and construct your own cushion. otherwise, search lawn and garden supply stores locally

I'm looking for a replacement cushion for a 3 person sling type porch swing. Who might sell or make this?

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…I was sooo excited the other day when a representative for Leslie Segrete came across Finding Fabulous, contacted me and asked if I’d like to interview Leslie in a post about decorating outdoor spaces. 

What?  are we talking about THE Leslie Segrete…designer from HGTV’s Trading Spaces & While your were Out?  Here on Finding Fabulous…YES! 

And so without further delay…The fabulous Leslie Segrete is in the house!

Here’s our interview…
J. My blog is all about Finding Fabulous…for less! do you have any money saving tricks up your sleeve for decorating outdoor spaces on a budget?
LS:  Outdoor lighting is a wonderful way to brighten up your outdoor space so you can enjoy it day and night. The best part is, it doesn’t have to cost you a bundle; choices can range from simple twinkling lights for about $4 a strand or decorative lantern string lights for around $10 to low voltage landscape lighting for under $80.

If you’re entertaining, something as simple as multi-color paper lanterns with string lights can spruce up your outdoor area dining area when draped under your umbrella or pergola. we even have simple white twinkle lights wrapped around a wrought iron trellis for a festive feature in our yard all year long.

A fire pit is a fun and comforting focal piece to add to your outdoor living space – and best of all… it won’t break the bank! A fire pit can create a central point for a seating area perfect for after sunset conversation and the occasional ghost story. Plus, a fire pit is great for one of the classic summer activity of roasting marshmallows and making S’mores.

Finally, a barefoot and weather-friendly outdoor rug can add a sophisticated yet comfortable look to make your deck or patio more unique. an outdoor rug can also help to create a seating or dining area in an open yard if you don’t have a deck or patio. if you stick to a rug with neutral colors you can add color by accessorizing your outdoor space with vibrant flowers and landscaping. For a more festive feel add a burst of color on the floor with a vibrant and bold patterned rug option.

J.  what are some of your favorite design elements when decorating an outdoor space?

LS:  It’s super important to play off of the natural settings of your outdoor space. Design around a stand out tree, favorite garden spot, or even architectural feature like a trellis, arbor, or pergola. by using a special spot in your backyard you can instantly set the tone for what that space is going to feel. Then, depending on your budget, your outdoor space can be simple, with a natural paver patio, a table for dining or a seating area depending on how you like to use the space, and of course a grill for relaxed outdoor dining. or, build your dream outdoor space with a fully functional outdoor kitchen. Imagine a great cooking and prep area from natural stone complete with a sink and a refrigerator for a truly gourmet experience. Go for all weather materials and choose some great outdoor seating. Build a pergola for shade and a base for climbing plants to wander and of course add landscape lighting. be sure to highlight your favorite tree and add down lighting for a soft moonlit glow.
J.  If you have a little bit of money to spend, what outdoor decorating updates would you recommend for summer?
LS:  The most important product for your outdoor space is all weather outdoor furnishings that suite the way you use the space. if you enjoy dining out of doors cover a table and chairs with an umbrella. if you’re a loungy conversational type, consider comfy chairs or group two love seats with some tables. Either way your outdoor space is an extension of your home and should be a place to relax. Outdoor furniture has come a long way; treat yourself to comfortable seating with plush cushions. The best part is that it is actually affordable. Then when your budget allows, layer on the decorative items that really show your true personality.
J.  If you could buy one item to update an existing outdoor living space…what would it be?
LS:  if you have some money to spend and you’re looking to replace that old grill of yours, a grill in a fun new color is a great addition to your deck or patio. I love to entertain and host large barbeques, so a grill with a large cooking surface is important to me. Kenmore has some really great options for grills. I love the Kenmore red grill available at Sears and Kmart because not only can it cook up to 40 burgers at a time but it also adds a splash of vibrant color to your outdoor space – sure to impress any summer guest!
However you choose to spend your summer décor budget make choices that are going to last year after year to maximize your spending, so go for that grill or perennials that will stay with you for summers to come.
J.  Which design style do you gravitate towards when decorating outdoor spaces?
LS:  I really love to let my natural settings inspire me. it really depends on what the surroundings are for how I decorate the space. if its poolside I think of more clean lines all weather resin wicker seating with comfy clay toned or white cushions. if it a shade fern lined garden I think of a nice table setting for intimate dinners outside. of course lighting is super important. Some spaces beg for Moroccan lanterns while others just sparkle with white Christmas lights.
J.  Many people decorate the insides of their homes, but forget about their decks and porches. what advice would you give these people?
LS:  get outside summer is almost over! you don’t have to spend a ton just get some adorable and functional furnishing that are made for outside and use that space. if you are lucky enough to have any outdoor space it would be a shame not to take advantage of it. I think most home owners are afraid they have to make their outdoor space this extravagant setting, where in reality it can be simple with a couple chairs and a lovely little table. Just make sure you add some of your interior design flair with accessories like pillows, lighting, and even wall décor with pieces that are made for the outdoors.
J.  what inspires you most when decorating your outdoor living space?
LS:  Nature, whether is a tree or the city skyline.
J.  Where do you like to shop for fabulous outdoor furniture and accessories…without breakin’ the bank?
LS:  I love finding affordable options at stores like Sears and Kmart. they have great home and outdoor décor from the Country Living and Jaclyn Smith lines that are made to stand up to outdoor elements and are well priced and have a very high end look. A couple years ago, bought expensive outdoor furniture and ended up getting rid of it a few years later. it was destroyed because it didn’t hold up to the weather.
J.  Finding Fabulous Readers love Revamping and Repurposing things! Have you repurposed anything recently for your home or outdoor living spaces?
LS:  I had an old armoire that I loved but had no use for it inside my house. I put it outside and made it a little storage unit for all my planted pots and gardening tools and supplies. it looks so lovely sitting outside in our backyard and it just gets better looking the more weathered and patinad it gets.
J.  What are your favorite color choices right now in outdoor design?
LS:  As of now, I think neutrals with brighter accents are the way to go. I would do a softer color for the outdoor seating such as a beige or warm khaki and spruce it up with bright red pillows or use an old tapestry as a table cloth that has an antique feel of washed out colors. you can always choose chair seat covers in a fabulous bright print and have a simpler off white table cloth. it is all about mixing and matching!
J.   Can you give us the scoop on popular design trends you’re seeing right now in outdoor living spaces?
LS:  Container gardening is always big. you can mix a blend of earthy glazed ceramics in deep watery tones with modern zinc planters for a modern yet eclectic feel. be sure to fill them with a mix of local annuals at a variety of height and be sure to see to allow some to overflow from the top.
Using all weather fabrics to create curtain panels on a porch is lovely. you can play it safe with a solid or go bold with a fun and large scale pattern.
****************************************
Wow, how exciting to have Leslie here on Finding Fabulous sharing her fabulous design ideas…I am so honored, thank you Leslie!
 Leslie co-hosts a nationally syndicated home improvement radio show called The Money Pit with Tom Kraeutler, and is currently filming a new series.  This top secret project will feature lots of great money saving ideas using items you already have around your house.  Ahhh, money saving design ideas…I can’t wait for this new series! 

Finding Fabulous: Interview with HGTV’s Leslie Segrete!

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Staying warm: Dogs Klaus and Tina in their Driza-bones. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

HOT diggity dog – it's amazing the lengths some pet owners will go to keep their animals safe and warm in winter.

 Proud dachshund owner Sar Coster searched high and low for extra long, fleece-lined Driza-Bone coats for her pampered pooches Ernestina and Klaus.

The dogs like to walk several times a day – rain, hail or shine.

"Dachshunds in particular have thin coats – and weatherproof jackets with woolly insides were essential to keep them dry," Ms Coster said.

Sporting their own fur coats is not total protection from winter woes for Victoria’s domestic pets, according to the experts.

Cats can suffer life-threatening injuries in winter when they are more likely to huddle in car engine cavities for warmth and unsuspecting motorists start their cars.

And dogs are at risk of a range of ailments and illnesses in the colder months.

Animal Aid has warned pet owners to ensure their four-legged friends are warm to stop them seeking out heat in dangerous places.

Coats, jumpers, heat pads, well-wrapped hot water bottles, blankets and cocoon beds are among the most popular ways to help heat a cold pet.

Animal Emergency Centre veterinary director Cathy Warburton said owners should also be wary of veterinary problems specific to dogs in winter.

Rat bait poisoning, tick paralysis and bloating are among the likely threats to dogs.

"People lay rat bait in winter to deal with rats who also want to come in from out of the cold," Dr Warburton said. "It is a ticking time bomb because the dog digests the bait but it then takes a couple of days to take effect."

Poisoned dogs are likely to bleed into the chest and symptoms include coughing or laboured breathing.

Vets also see a surge in dogs presenting paralysed from tick bites.

"Victorians escaping the cold head to towns along the NSW coast and we see a surge in dogs with tick paralysis soon after they return home from the winter school holiday break.

"Dogs from Melbourne on holiday in NSW are not immune to ticks found there and after every school holiday, we get a run of tick paralysis."

Animal Aid general manager Nell Thompson said people must protect their pets from the cold and there were plenty of ways of doing that.

"when temperatures begin to drop to single figures at night, we should recognise that dogs and cats deserve the same basic needs that humans require, without compromise," he said.

Hot stuff for chilly dogs

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The way we design the interior of our homes is very personal to us but more and more in today’s society people’s homes seem to resemble something straight out of an interior design magazine with no unique features.

Achieving a unique and distinguished look in your home your home today is quite difficult as most furnishings are mass produced, clean cut and run of the mill. so how can you make the difference to your home without spending a fortune?

An antique wall clock is a distinguished piece of furniture that will add character to any room. the real beauty with antique wall clocks is they all look as though they have a different story to tell, this adds a wonderful edge to any room.

With an extremely beautiful finish, it is made to coordinate with your home decor. Accentuate your home with this large wall clock featuring an old timer brass end and a black face it is sure to be a timeless treasure. Those dealing with smaller keep arrangements surely turn their attention to their furniture and what they can opt to best optimize their place. Classic style solid wood regulator with courtly top moulding. Rounded front case with front battery panel memory access. Consumers are once again discovering that alizarin is not haphazardly chosen excogitation elements that are completely functional in nature. When it comes to clocks, old geezer is not always best.

Passe brass refinement wall clock with uncovered weights and pendulum is a wonderful addition to the home, neighbours and family will stand in admiration. the slate tessellated bound and antiquate face with black hands add an elusive style to your home. Decorative wall clock features time of origin wrought iron bezel and unparalleled wall hanging iron mountain range.

Some reproduction wall clock models use batteries, while others call for occasional winding, thus reducing bombardment costs. Willful what customers are looking for will set pin clover apart from commons passe pin clover and draw loyal clients. Elegant carmine finished regulator style wall clock made with prize hardwoods and veneers featuring a swan neck pediment and off finial. Grandfather antique wall clocks perfective for home interior decoration will be the item to show off at parties. these handsome clock also features a thermometer and hygrometer to amount flow temperature and humidity as well as circular napped brass pendulum is antiqued and framed with wooden, receded grilles. Clock making is a long held tradition in this country and the names of particular clock makers are synonymous with quality, artisanship, and staying magnate.

Those dealing with littler keep arrangements certainly turn their attention to their furniture and what they can pick out to best optimize their walls space. find values for your grandfather clock [novelty-wall-clocks.com/The_News/Grandfather_clock/Grandfather_clock], mantelpiece or wall clock before you offer up to sell the wonderful piece, you may regret selling it for too little. Accent your home with this large wall clock featuring a passe brass terminate and a black face it is sure to be a timeless treasure. of course, part of this unconscious process for those who live away at train is the exploration of our own blank space. But this durability does not mean that outdoor wall pin grass sacrifice vogue.

Thanks to a stylish finish, this clock coordinates well with most decorating style, the biggest problem is showing it off in a place where it will be appreciated. its spiritualist tone terminates and slightly worn face will blend into any location. There is a plethora of wall mounted pin grass out there with pictures of dogs and cats to raise you’re timekeeping. Circular brushed brass pendulum is antiqued and framed with wooden, reeded grilles. This wall alizarin unremarkable does not have an alarm feature, but this is available on some other types of reproduction alizarin. Unparalleled and versatile, this beautiful weatherproof clock can be used inside or outdoors. Versatile styles and finishes blending and complimenting any interior decoration. so don’t dismay if you’re struggling to make that room look like a class establishment, the addition of an antique wall clock will resolve any issues you may of had.

An Easy And Elegant Way To Add A Touch Of Class To A Room

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We just bought a patio set which includes thick chair cushions. they say they have been treated to be water repellant. do we need to move them every time it rains? What else should I do to protect the padding? Thanks.

Fabrics for outdoor use are weather and sun resistant so you don't need to do anything. Ours dry quickly after a rain and haven't faded and look brand new in two years of outdoor exposure. if you are really concerned, buy outdoor furniture covers designed specifically to fit every size and style of furniture.

Most cushions are made to weather and drain fairly well. PVC coated acrylic fabrics weather the best and resist fading, (that the fabric feels like a new pair of blue jeans). Putting them away when not in use, or covering the furniture will allow you to get seven to ten years out of them. most people buy covers for their furniture. see patiostore.com for one online vendor source.

keep the cushions inside unless you're going to USE them…. Rubbermaid makes a great deck container that will hold them and keep them dry….

rubbermaid.com/rubbermaid/pro…

of course, if you have a shed with the room, you can put them there, too….

How to do I protect outdoor patio furniture w/cushions?

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Cedar can be used to meet your construction needs for outdoor furniture and garden products. Different garden furniture items like Adirondack chairs, arbors, and patio tables, potting bench, porch swings, garden benches, outdoor furniture cushions and loungers are used in outdoor spaces. Western red cedar is a type of evergreen conifer, a species of Thuja. Yews, redwoods, larches, spruces, pines, kauis, firs, cypresses, cedars, junipers, Douglas firs are some of the typical examples of conifers.

A conifer is a plant with vascular tissues. it is a seed bearing plant. a great majority of conifers are trees are woody with just a few of them being shrubs. a conifer belongs to Cupressaceae, the cypress family with a worldwide distribution. There are about 130 to 140 species including 27 to 30 genera. the bark of the trees which is mature has a stringy texture and is orange to red brown in color. the bark often peels or flakes in vertical strips and is scaly, hard, and smooth and square cracked in some of the species.

Dimensionally stable:

Cedar wood is a dimensionally stable and lightweight. the wood stays flat and cool and has the strength of the oak, making it one of the most desirable types of wood for making outdoor garden furniture items. this material is excellent for use in moist and humid climates. it is advantageous to buy Western red cedar wooden garden furniture for the outdoors. Products made from red cedar do not sag or bow over a period of time, nor do they fade or become dull by getting scorched in the sun. Also if you are interested in teakwood garden furniture it is sure to hold its aesthetic appeal for many years. As far as garden furniture for the outdoors is concerned, it is a safe and a healthier choice to have cedar products, both outdoors as well as indoors. Rattan garden furniture is also a very popular choice with many home owners.

Best natural alternative:

In comparison to chemically treated wood, cedar is one of the best natural alternatives for your construction needs, especially outdoor garden furniture. Most of the wooden garden furniture available for the outdoors today is treated with chemicals. Products are soaked in stews of toxic chemical preservatives which are very strong and hence require labels for all those handling these chemicals. While pressure treating wooden garden furniture there are three primary ingredients used, namely chromium, copper and arsenic.

A lot of controversy has arisen to the large extent of arsenic exposure caused due to physical contact with wooden surfaces. even if inorganic arsenic is not absorbed through the skin, it is readily taken in by ingestion as shown in various studies. Most vulnerable to such kind of a risk are children, who can pass the chemicals by hand to mouth and in such a case Rattan garden furniture can be an interesting choice. but by far, nothing to beat the versatility of cedar! Organic and humble, it lasts like heirlooms, enriching the garden space by the day.

As compared to wood which is treated chemically, cedar is a natural alternative in furniture along with teak garden furniture. hence it is a better idea to use Western red cedar wooden garden furniture instead of the commonly explored alternatives.

Western Red Cedar Wooden Garden Furniture   by Sagbee C

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I have a three year old poodle that barks off the patio at everyone and drives my neighbors bonkers. how can I train him to stop without resorting to a shock collar?

Also, I have a puppy I am trying to potty train, anyone have any good ideas for getting him to go on a pee pad out on the patio?

As for the barking I'm not sure. now the pee pad situation, wipe some of his/her pee/poo on it to give it the scent to let them know to go there. Works wonders!

Haven't used a pee pad so can't answer about that. however, what worked for me when I moved into an apartment and needed to teach my terrier to stop barking so much was sitting next to him and watching squirrels…every time he started to bark I held his mouth closed and told him "no barking" and he quickly learned what "no barking" meant and stopped barking at the squirrels and other creatures he could see through the glass door.

You can Train your pet at any age. There is a program here you can use. this worked wonders for my two pitbulls: iksinfo.com/doggie.html

Can anyone tell me how to train a dog to stop barking?

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Leya Williams-Albert of Curious Bird (with her son Felix)Today, graduate student, crafter, photographer, and brand-new mama Leya Williams-Albert of Curious Bird gives us a Show & tell Home Tour.

Let’s go on over and see how new baby Felix is making his place in Leya’s Philadelphia home.

Leya, tell us a little about your family and your home. 

My husband Dustin and I have been together for almost 14 years (married for three in September). We moved to Philadelphia from North Carolina four years ago so he could do a PhD in Experimental Psychology.

We reside in a 1920s-era two-story row house in South Philadelphia with our newborn son, Felix, and our 14-year-old cat, Mortimer.

Felix and his Dad on the move from the living room to the kitchen.How do you approach decorating in your home? What’s the most important thing?

It’s important to me to have a home that feels cozy and lived in and that makes me happy as I walk through it. I love color and texture and objects that mingle together to tell a visual story. my husband and I are committed to not spending tons of money on decorating our home, so buying second-hand and coming up with creative solutions is key.

A vintage sideboard scored on eBay stores linens and other items.You have a brand-new baby boy, your first child. how is his STUFF influencing the look and feel of your living room?

Well, the look of our living room has definitely changed since Felix arrived. For starters, we began refinishing our vintage coffee table a few weeks before his due date and have yet to complete that project. still not sure what we were thinking.

Overall, I guess not having a coffee table right now has freed up the space for some of our newly acquired baby items, some of which fit in the room better than others. For example, Felix naps in a lovely Cariboo bassinet that looks great in the room, but his cradle swing has a harder time blending in. however, I must admit that I love having a big swing (that plays music and tweets like a bird!) in the corner of the living room because it means Felix has arrived! I’m certain there will be many more design challenges having to do with Felix’s toys and gear presented in the years to come. I’m looking forward to it.

a sunny spot to read and relax in the living room.In which room in your home does your family congregate most often? 

The entire downstairs is an open floor plan with the living room, dining room, and kitchen all flowing together. We spend a lot of time downstairs cooking, eating, doing projects, watching movies, and in the summer, we often move our dining outside to our little patio located right off the kitchen.

A family favorite: dining out back next to the small garden.Great design can be expensive. how do you get the most bang for your buck?

I’m really committed to finding items on Craigslist and in thrift shops and then refurbishing them. I did this with several pieces in my son’s nursery and came away quite pleased with how each of those projects turned out. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved digging through thrift shops and antique stores in search of hidden gems. I’ve found the majority of our furniture and objects while poking around with no plan in mind. I am also a big fan of finding new uses for inexpensive items from IKEA.

Felix’s Arms Reach Co-sleeper next to the bed.A corner of Leya and Dustin’s bedroom, good for reading or baby rocking.Tell us about a DIY project you have taken on recently and love.

Once again, Felix’s nursery is full of DIY projects. I found a really ugly glider on Craigslist and after some sanding, a coat of paint, and recovering the cushions with vintage fabric I had been hoarding, it has been transformed from super-ugly to a pretty nifty-looking glider. 

The glider found on Craigslist after it underwent a major transformation.

A hand-painted tree with felt and paper leaves in a corner of Felix’s nurseryAnother new DIY project I’m really proud of is the changing table we created for our downstairs using a simple IKEA utility cart. as it turns out, it is the perfect size for the changing pad and the perfect height for my husband and me.

Felix’s downstairs changing area sits in a corner of the apple green kitchen.You are a working mom as well as a creative person. Do you have a room or space of your own?

I have my hand in a lot of pots. in addition to blogging, crafting, and attending graduate school, I work outside of the home as a behavior therapist (think play therapy) for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. I have worked with kids for several years and I’m certain all the time I spend with small children influences the things I make and my photography.

I have a tiny home studio in which I sew and draw and scheme about new projects, but I should also admit that it’s not uncommon for my sewing machine to find its way to the dining room table (sometimes for longer than my husband would like).

A reusable baby wipe sewing project in the works in Leya’s home studio.What is your most important everyday ritual at home?

The morning smoothie (fruit, yogurt, juice, blender): healthful, bright, delicious, a reminder of the fundamental goodness of the world.it sets the perfect tone for the new day. 

In your home, what is one indulgence you give in to?

It’s hard to name just one: Fresh flowers, houseplants, good local/organic food, and quality linens (I love a high thread count).

Plants fill the space above the kitchen sink.What are your favorite stores to shop for home?

I love shopping on Etsy. I have found so many fantastic items there, both handmade and vintage. IKEA is always a favorite. Another great online resource for the home is ABC Home — they have really great sales from time to time. I’m also a fan of Anthropologie and their new garden/home store, Terrain.

Favorite prints and artwork by friends.

A colorful Flensted mobile hangs in the bathroom.What Home & Garden blogs or websites inspire you the most?

There are so many wonderful home and garden blogs, but a few of my favorite reads are: Design Sponge, Apartment Therapy’s ohdeedoh, Decor8, and Bloesem.I also love looking around Flickr for home and garden inspiration.

Family photos and artwork fill the upstairs hallway.thanks for the lovely tour, Leya. See and read more from Leya Williams-Albert on her blog Curious Bird.

Recent show & tell Home & Garden Tours:

The Remodelista 4: show & tell Home Tour

Jennifer Johner of the little things: show & tell Home Tour

Famapa of my funny eye: show & tell Home Tour

Siri Larsen: show & tell Garden Tour

Shauna James Ahern: show & tell Garden Tour

Jane Cumberbatch: show & tell Garden Tour

All Show & tell Tours

<a href="http://thestir.cafemom.com/home_garden/106424/leya_williamsalbert_show_tell_gardentag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://thestir.cafemom.com/home_garden/106424/leya_williamsalbert_show_tell_gardenWed, 14 Jul 2010 13:46:54 GMT 00:00″>Leya Williams-Albert: Show & Tell Home Tour

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