Exotic Floral Arrangements

Even if you want to make a statement, a simple arrangement can do the trick. Just a few stems of cymbidium orchids (in a low glass vase filled with rocks) looks more elaborate than it is. Remember to use stems with more than one bloom, and if you keep the water clean, this arrangement should last from four to six weeks.Ideal spot: Place it on the table where the cocktails are served, surrounded by votive candles.Small arrangements of one kind of flower are ideal for the novice. If you are seeking a more dramatic effect, try a grouping of them in similar hues. These range from pink to red and are all in silver containers to create a cohesive feeling.Ideal spot: A dramatic mass of a single color is perfect for a dinner party when you know guests...

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Vintage Modern/New Fabric Line

Featured DesignerBlu Girl Art Suzanne Meyer Pistorius Eco-friendly chairsSuzanne believes in reincarnation.The only thing all of the chairs in her constantly changing collection have in common is...they have a past.She's given them a new life, a fresh look. They've told one story, and now it's time for them to tell another.Her original's are as original as the people who fall in love with them. As colourful and vivacious, as captivating and complicated.Blending vibrant colours and bold patterns, with the classic lines of timeless design - these are pieces that don't so much make a statement about their owners, as a declarationThey are strange, beautiful, worn, resilient, and dynamic as the human spiritNot all of them will speak to you , but...

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Expensive Homes in America

America's most expensive homesBy Francesca Levy of Forbes$150 millionThe ManorHolmby Hills, Calif.The home that Candy Spelling, widow of television producer Aaron, put on the market in 2008 outprices every other property in the U.S. The 56,500-square-foot English-style mansion has a bowling alley, wine cellar, rooms for gift-wrapping and silver and china display, a library, gym and media room. Its 4.6 acres include pools, a spa, landscaped gardens, a waterfall and parking for more than 100 cars. Jeff Hyland of Hilton & Hyland Real Estate and Sally Forster Jones of Coldwell Banker Previews International have the listing.$125 millionFleur de LysBeverly Hills, Calif.This 35,000-square-foot home, listed in 2007, is said to be modeled after...

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Small Backyard Solutions

These are a few ideas for small yard makeovers. A stone path leads to an elevated stone patio and tranquil water feature.  This artful design creates an English cottage garden and effectively doubles the living space. The bluestone pavers form the foundation of a new patio, then alternate with bricks to create a meandering path to the back wall, where a simple pergola shades a bench.Granite pavers laid on the diagonal make the space seem larger. The design called for a trellis atop the brick wall, but the wall wasn't strong enough for the bolts, so planters filled with boxwoods were installed to furnish the necessary privacy.Want to increase the attractiveness of your veggie garden? Pitch out the concept of straight rows. Curved beds,...

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Hillside Home in San Francisco

We are happy to introduce you today to Scott Lee from SB Architecture. The site is a very steep uphill slope that is nearly 50%. The site had been previously developed. The street is narrow and steep and access and staging are limited. The site affords views of San Francisco from all levels. The house is oriented to the South/West. Walking to the center of Mill Valley takes 4.5 minutes. Many houses on the street date back to the 20's and 30's and the lots are relatively small. The neighbors are lovely and have been both supportive and patient with us. We know more people on our street in Mill Valley after only living here for a few months than we ever know on our street in San Francisco where we lived for 20 years. The entire city is heavily...

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