Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day

I just wanted to say thank you to the men and women who serve our country or for those who have given their lives.  It's a day of reflection for me, so I thought I would share about some special men in my life.

My father M. Wayne Williams was killed in 1971 in Vietnam.  He was a pilot for the Army.  He flew helicopters and fixed wing planes.  I was only 2 years old when he was killed.  I never knew my Father but I am told he was smart, good looking, an artist, quiet, meticulous and loving.  My mother tells me I have all of these qualities.

My step-father Hector Saenz served the Army in Vietnam.  He was in the Infantry.  My parents married when I was 3 1/2 years old and are still married today.  He has only told a few stories and I know that the experience was very difficult to endure.  He has taught me to love unconditionally, to cook with TLC, to use common sense,  and when you have something traumatic happen to you, pick yourself up and keep moving forward (or our private term "unpacked your trunk").

Other special men...all of whom made it home except Clinton.

Marshall Williams, Navy, WWII

W. Clinton Niedecken- Navy, Vietnam -MIA

Rick Stewart, Navy, Vietnam

Frank Palmiero, Army, Vietnam

Mike Fleming, Army, Vietnam

Tommy Loper, Army, Vietnam

Mel Morgan, Marines

Mark McCoy, Army, Iraq

Dave Ross, Air Force, currently serving

Corbin Thornell, currently serving

Remembering all who have served ~ Brandy

Thursday, May 26, 2011

"What Were They Thinking Thursday!!!?? - Say No to Carpet!

How many of you have experienced going to a nursing home to visit a loved one and been overcome by the smell as soon as you walk into the door? I know I have! Nursing homes are so important and at the end of someone's life, getting the care and attention that they need is critical. However, certain accidents happen when you get to a certain age and so what I don't understand is why do people put carpet in nursing homes!!???


Yes, it might make the place look more "homey" but should that look come at the price of cleanliness and health? Carpet can hold bacteria and with bacteria comes the foul smell. With the widespread of drug resistance bacteria being found among elderly patients in nursing homes, why do they still have that nasty carpet! Infections can mean life or death in this environment and carpet can be more difficult to clean than the way a hard surface can. 



 Accidents happen everywhere so go ahead and put hard surface floors throughout!

 I have seen this type of place before. Very typical. Nursing homes should also be concerned with the upholstery on the chairs. Vinyls and commercial fabrics like, Cryptons, are great options because they can be wiped down, cleaned with bleach and have protective moisture barriers. 

 This patient room may look luxurious but once an accident happens on that carpet its hard to get the smell out.








There are some really great options besides carpet. There are vinyl wood plank products that are made to look and feel like real wood but they can be cleaned with bleach and some have anti-microbial layers that help stop the spread of infection causing bacteria. Why would you not put this stuff everywhere??


 A much more appropriate flooring option.


 This vinyl wood floor still makes the place feel warm and "homey" while maintaining a clean environment. 


Not crazy about the decor, but at least that floor can be mopped.




The smell is not just about pleasing the people that come to visit, it's about the residents too! At the end of someone's life, we should at least be able to honor them with a healthy clean environment. 


What about you? Have you experienced this before? 


~Jessica

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

"What's Out There" - Fabulous Real Estate, The Magic of the Hamptons!

Yesterday I went to see the movie "Something Borrowed" for the second time, no it wasn't that great. The main attraction for me in the movie is the fabulous vacation house in the Hamptons. The group rents the house out for the weekends in the summer. I have never been to the Hamptons but it just seems to be magical. I love the shingled houses and the country charm mixed with the beach and gorgeous ocean.

So today, I want to take a little trip to the Hamptons and see what kind of fabulous real estate is available.





 $1,875,000


  • 4 bedrooms
  • 3 full baths

Very Quaint!



 I love these wide plank floors!




 I love this style of pool with the grass all around it. I much prefer this to the outrageous faux rock formation pools we have here in East Texas!









 $1,995,000


  • 4 bedrooms
  • 3 full baths


I can imagine drinking iced tea on the porch!


Again, love the pool!


 Hmm, a little disappointed in the kitchen for the price. It is very cute though.



 Nothing says beach cottage more than white slipcovers!



I love the white painted wood floors!



Hmm, is that a desk or table. Looks to be too high for a dining room table, either that or the chairs are too low.


Love this! I love the charm of the beadboard ceiling and I especially love the color!


Hmm, those zebra chairs look a little out of place. But remember, you're buying the house, not the furniture!






$6,500,000


  • 7 bedrooms
  • 4 full baths



Love it!



 What a great wall of windows! Love it!


 Love the stairs but lose the plants on that ledge. Very bad decor!


 So charming! I would like to be curled up reading a book on that sofa!



Love it!!!






 $8,500,000

  • 6 bedrooms
  • 7 full baths
  • 2 half baths






Picture perfect complete with beautiful Hydrangeas!




Wow, I can tell we have gone up in price!

I love those two chandeliers!

Dream kitchen of mine!


Looks a little bare, I might add a sofa in front of that bed. 


Beautiful tile!

Very charming and comfortable looking room! I love the black chandelier in there to mix it up and keep it from being traditional.



Adorable room. I love the leaded glass windows and that star light is fabulous!




$34,995,000

  • 7 bedrooms
  • 7 full baths

 Simply Gorgeous!



 What a view!


 Hmm, a little too grand for my taste, but with a price tag of 35 mil, I guess you would expect a grand ballroom.


I love the stain on the wood. Not quite whitewashed but very light and airy

 The perfect study!





Wow, I love this room! The ceiling, the windows and the fireplace are awesome! 






So what house is your favorite? Small and quaint or huge and grand? I prefer the cottagey feel of the smaller homes but don't mind having an updated gourmet kitchen!

~Jessica