The Shadey Ladies, Inc.

New Blog! New Website!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Mon, 03 May 2010 22:32:00 +0000

Hello!

We have a new website that is much more user friendly! We will be posting comments, photos, articles, pictures, etc there.

Please stop by and visit us at -

http://www.shadeyladies.com/

Myth Buster: Is Bigger Always Better?

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:52:00 +0000

Exploding the Myth

Typically, decorating advice focuses on the all-encompassing goal of making the space look bigger. Unfortunately, with this line of thinking, the focus is in the wrong place.

If your main goal is to create a larger living space, it' would be much easier to just go out and buy futons for beds, and throw pillows for sitting on the floor, and you're done with decorating!

However, if your goal is to create light filled rooms that are comfortable, inviting and harmonious, you'll want to make certain decisions that will accomplish that goal. So how do you maximize the space you have, no matter the size? Start with these ten steps.

1. Put rooms on a diet. Too much furniture is a common problem in small spaces. Get rid of the things that don't support the main purpose of the room.

2. Downsize. Oversized furniture might look good in the furniture showroom, but it can overpower a smaller room. Proportion is key. Smaller pieces for smaller rooms. Try a loveseat for seating instead of a full size sofa.

3. Put paint in its place. In a smaller home, color is best as the background for a room, not the focal point. Use a neutral color throughout the house or several shades of the same color.

4. Black is back. A dash of black is an important element in any room. It adds depth, creates a focal point and causes other elements in the room 'pop'.

5. Flower power. Flowers are important and often overlooked as an accessory. As living art, find at least one place in your home for fresh flowers and change them often.

6. Mirror, mirror on the wall. A well placed mirror adds depth to any room and reflects light, making the space appear brighter and larger.

7. Forget the skirts. Show the legs on your upholstered pieces. This creates a feeling of more space by allowing your eye to travel across the room and see more of the floor under the furniture.

8. Be selective. Put out only your favorite things. Accessory clutter will destroy the beauty and grace in any room.

9. Don't overdo the windows. Keep window treatments clean and simple. Sheer fabrics, fabric shades and some blinds help prevent a 'heavy' treatment from taking up too much space in a smaller room.

10. Let there be light. Good lighting is critical in a smaller home. Two key elements are 1) soft lighting for warmth and 2) focused lighting for tasks. Use dimmer switches, candles, and floor lamps for ambiance and variety in your lighting.

Remember, for any size space the goal may not be to 'make the room look bigger', but it could be to make the room more comfortable and inviting. . . no matter the size!

Please let me know your thoughts, comments or questions. I'd love to hear them.

Is The Federal Energy Tax Credit a Farce?

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Have you heard in the news about the Federal Energy Tax Credit?

Some window treatment manufacturers have gone so far as to take this opportunity to make claims that their products may qualify for the Federal Energy Tax Credit offered by the US government.

There was an ad on TV last night about Hunter Douglas products that ended with a statement along the lines of... "certain Hunter Douglas products qualify for the Federal Energy Tax Credit."

This type of deceptive advertising only leads to confused and disappointed consumers, especially when they find out that there is only one product in the Hunter Douglas line that is certified for the tax credit. And even only under CERTAIN (dare I say... impossible) conditions, will it qualify for the tax credit!

Unfortunately, it seems as though NO actual window coverings qualify for this Federal Energy Tax Credit.

Buyers beware!

Ask alot of questions...

Decorating with Black

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:06:00 +0000

Black has an amazing power to solidify any color scheme, pull together wayward, mismatched pieces of furniture, and give your home a touch of true Hollywood glamour. Check out these top 10 tips for using black in your décor.

1. Keep it minimal - Too much black in any room is too much. Add white and other colors to play up the contrast and keep the room pleasing and balanced.

2. If you like contemporary décor - You'll want to have at least one main piece of furniture in black - couch, ottoman, chair, armoire, etc.

3. If your taste is more cottage décor - Add a few weathered pieces of black furniture. They'll ground all the pretty whites and pinks and add a grown up sense of style.

4. Red, white, and black - Considered the most romantic color palette, is an almost fail-safe scheme. Use bright white trim to contrast the brilliant red, while the black acts as the anchor.

5. Let your sense of fun and adventure come through - Try a bold wall color. Be sure to tame it with touches of black in your accessories, side chairs or smaller upholstered pieces.

6. If you're nervous about adding black - Start small by coating minor architectural details in black such as picture frames, accessories, pillows, towels, etc.

7. Punch up your bland color scheme - If your room needs 'something', but you're not sure what, look to black to create a much-needed design statement in any room.

8. A Classic - Want a pop of interest in any room? A black-and-white tiled floor should do the trick. Almost any color will combine easily with this look, and the furnishings can be as glamorous as you'd like.

9. Stylish Flooring - Black in an area rug is a great grounding element. Just be sure to use the black elsewhere in the room as well.

10. Rinse and Repeat - Repeat the use of black throughout the room with window treatment trim, pillow accents, iron light fixtures, etc. for a well-coordinated use of the darker tone.

There's a real boldness and zing when decorating a room using black. Go ahead, start using more black in your décor. It's great for adding sophistication, style, or a sense of whimsy. Don't you just love the look?

Photos courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Will you leave a comment? I really enjoy hearing from you. Could we do something better? I'd really appreciate your opinion. Thanks!

Video - Fabulous Fabric Shades!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:48:00 +0000

5 Factors to Consider when Buying Fabric Shades

Fabric shades are one treatment where you won't have to sacrifice beauty for functionality. They can be simple, sleek and contemporary or they can also be voluminous and luxuriously stylish. Below I've listed 5 factors to consider when selecting fabric shades for your home -

1. The Stack - Do you have ample space above your window for the shade to stack up when open? With fabric shades, they create their own valance so they are perfect for mounting above the window. And unlike some other treatments, fabric shades look great mounted above the window. This also helps make your window look bigger!

2. The Texture - One of my favorite places for a fabric shade is... a kitchen or a bathroom. Kitchens and bathrooms typically have a lot of hard surfaces in the room - tile floors, wood cabinets, granite counter tops, mirrors, sinks, etc. Adding softness with a fabric shade is the perfect solution for a 'hard' room and is desperately needed.

3. Room Size - If your room is smaller, choose a style that's simple with clean lines. A large billowy shade with lots of luxurious fabric could take a small room over with all the wrong proportions.

4. Upgrade Your Style - A fabric shade looks fabulous all on its own or layered together with draperies for a more sophisticated look.

5. More Bang for Your Buck - A fabric shade will last for many, many years with minimal care. There are two mechanisms that operate the shade. A cord and a pulley. No custom mounting brackets, batteries or complicated mechanisms to break, or wear out.

Regardless of the style you choose, fabric shades look great in any room, no matter the fabric or the budget!

HOT TIP: Our special this month is on luxurious silk fabrics, which would be GORGEOUS made into fabric shades! Lift up your home and lifestyle, add fabric shades not blinds. You'll be so glad you did! Ask me for more information. I'm happy to share!

Will you leave a comment? I really enjoy hearing from you. Did you enjoy the video? Could we do something better? I'd really appreciate your opinion.

Creating the Perfect 'Man Room'

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:38:00 +0000

So... What's a Man Room?

Oftentimes it's the woman that enjoys taking on the responsibility of decorating and creating a home environment that's pleasing and comfortable. However, it's important to remember to include the wants, needs and desires of the man of the household. Finding a solution that both husband and wife will enjoy and agree upon creates a happy, harmonious home for all.

Some particularly masculine products include:

Wood Blinds, Shutters, Natural Woven Shades
Flooring: Stone, Wood
Colors: Browns, Blues, Black
Accessories: Black, Dark Brown, Platinum
Pattern: Keep it to a minimum
Anything high tech or with electronics!

Check out this short video for ideas on creating a dream room for the often under heard spouse. The man of the house.

Boost Profits with An Interior Designer

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Thu, 07 May 2009 01:34:00 +0000

If you're thinking of selling your home, we have licensed broker Julia Vakulenko from Florida letting us know the best ways to boost your profits.

If you're considering selling your house in today's tough real estate market, a professional eye could be a big help. When you're ready to sell your house, you want to get the most profit available. Is it ready for this venture? Are you ready? Does your house look the same today as it did 10 years ago? If so, help from an independent and impartial eye can be a big boost in profits.

1. Walk through each room in your house. Make a list of what is new and what is dated. This isn't a to-do list, just a checklist of what you see. If the kitchen still has linoleum and could use new ceramic tile or hardwood floors, put that on the list. If the bathroom has been completely remodeled, put that on the list as well. This list will help to compare your taste and perception to that of a professional designer.

2. Make sure to include the outside of your home as well. Look at any and all flower beds and shrubs. Look for plants that have gone beyond there usefulness as well as the plants that you like the most. Don't forget the rocks or mulch in and around these beds or the walkways near the house. This list should really be focused on the front of the house, as that is the curb appeal area.

3. Next, take your list with you to your local home improvement big box warehouse. Go to the respective departments and make notes on the prices of the things that you think would look nice in the rooms of your house. Here again, it isn't a list to see how much money you have to spend, just a list of items that would be nice in your house with pricing included.

4. Make sure to look at the high end and the low end to get a good idea of what it would cost if you chose to make any changes. Things like toilets and other fixtures can vary greatly in price while adding no more benefit other than aesthetics. So if you include the really pricey ones, make sure your room can handle them.

5. Contact a professional designer. Have them look at each room and get their truthful opinion. Is the paint right and complimenting? How about the fixtures and furnishings? Have them make a list for you so you can compare it to your list. Ask them any and all questions while you have their undivided attention. Take all of their advice, good, bad or otherwise. It is to your benefit and pocketbook to listen to someone else's perspective.

6. Finally, it is time for a comparison of lists. You may find that the two lists are similar or that they are completely different. Either way, this will give you another angle to look from when selling your house in today's tough real estate market. And this small piece of info can really be an invaluable tool.

This small investment can make or break whether your house sells or the house down the street sells in this tight real estate economy. Pick up the phone and contact your designer to schedule an in-home consultation today. It can boost your profits and make a tremendous difference in your bottom line.

Julia Vakulenko is a licensed broker associate with Tampa4U Realty. She has one of the hardest working Tampa Real Estate teams in Florida specializing in Tampa Condos and also in 2Va Team for Northern Virginia Real Estate. For my Florida subscribers, be sure to check Julie out for your real estate services.

Secret Sale on Natural Woven Shades!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 06:59:00 +0000

I wanted to let you in on a Secret Sale! I just found out today, one of my favorite suppliers is having a HUGE Overstock Sale on popular Natural Woven Shades, 30% off! I've only announced it to my VIP list so far, because it's first come first served. When they run out, it's over!

If you've been thinking about Natural Woven shades, this may be the perfect time to take advantage of these exquisite grasses, reeds and woven shades. Take a look, I think you'll agree, they're just beautiful!

Call me at 949.494.3345 or send an email right away if you'd like to see these or are considering Natural Woven Shades. Hurry before they sell out!

Not Your Typical, "Run-of-the-Mill" Shutter

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:36:00 +0000

The last several years shutters have been all the rage. If you were to call your local shutter provider, here's what you'd probably find...

Nice. Charming.

What a beautiful room. This shutter looks pretty good here.

But... take a look below at a few alternatives to your standard, run-of-the mill style of shutters. I love the colors, different styles of panels, hinges and textures. Notice how beautifully the colors and textures compliment and play off each other to create extraordinary, one of a kind treatments!

I love this turquoise color, the simple style and the wrought iron accents!

The shape, the weathered wood and the metal detailing make this one extraordinary!

I like the iron hinges on these dramatic black shutters.

I like the playfulness of the black and white, with the blood red trim.

What a beautiful color!

I like the carvings on each door and the warm coral color.

These shutters are exquisite! I really like the clean, simple lines and the subtle visual interest of the cut outs in the center of the panel.

You may have noticed that many of the photos show exterior shutters. However, there's absolutely no reason they couldn't be used indoors as well. I think they'd be a fabulous treatment on just about any window! What a unique and beautiful statement they'd make!

Hunter Douglas Shutters are Made in the USA

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:41:00 +0000

We’ve been hearing rumors that Hunter Douglas shutter products come from overseas. This simply is not true. When you purchase any Hunter Douglas Shutter it’s important to know you’re getting:

• A product fabricated in the United States of America.

• Happier customers - They don’t have to wait the usual 6 - 8 weeks like most competitors. Production time is a quick 5 - 10 business days.

• GreenGuard Certification - all Hunter Douglas Shutters carry this important indoor air quality certification.

Note: Hunter Douglas is also discontinuing their Alouette & Alustra Light Louver lines.

Discover How to Work with a Contractor or Designer that Saves You Time and Money!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:25:00 +0000

Take a look at these quick and informative videos about how to work with Contractors. I thought they were exceptionally fantastic because the same concept also applies to Interior Designers! Being a well-informed consumer is always your best defense.

Be prepared
Arm yourself with knowledge
Spend your investment wisely
Protect your time

Watch these videos. They'll help you think through your project... which will help your Contractor / Designer / Service Professional... help you!

Short Contractor Videos from Service Magic

Cool Drapery Hardware

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Clients often try the 'do-it-yourself' route when it comes to window treatments. After they've spent a lot of their own time, money and energy, while achieving dismal results, they contact me. One of the biggest mistakes I see has to do with the drapery hardware they've chosen. It's usually skimpy, droopy and entirely too skinny for the window. You can make any window treatment look 1000 times better simply by choosing the right drapery rod, one that is the correct proportion for your window.

Love these square rings.

Beautiful silver finish combined with the warmth of wood.

Wood rod with metal finial

I like the beauty of this 'blonde' look. Light, warm and exquisite.

Another alternative to 'typical' rings.

B&W Window Fashions, United Supply Company, Robert Allen, Gifer, Gif

Sexy Bedrooms and Spa-Like Bathrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:03:00 +0000

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I thought I'd post some of the most beautiful bedding and spa-like bathrooms I've seen. I tell you... it's a good thing my bedroom doesn't look like one of these, because if it did, I don't know if I'd EVER get out of bed!

A couple things to note... stunning bedding can be a simple, white matelasse coverlet, a colorful and detailed comforter, or something subtle and sweet. The real question is... Where do you want your focus to be? The bedding, the view, the bed, an antique mirror, a fireplace in the room? Choosing the right bedding will help draw your eye to the focal point in your room (whatever element that is) and not compete with it.

The window treatments coordinate well with the bedding.

Simple bedding causes the eye to gloss over it, and notice other elements in the room - the brick wall, the shutters, the bed.

A beautiful antique french mirror used as a headboard and simple matlassae coverlet.

Note the crisp white roman shades - I like adding fabric and rugs to a bathroom for softness and warmth.

Simple bedding causes the eye to gloss over it, and notice other elements in the room, like the brick wall and the embedded arch detail.

Bedding can be the focus, with a sunny, colorful and detailed look with another beautiful antique mirror as a headboard.

Note the use of what's called a 'mosaic carpet' around the bath tub. It's an area that's been tiled under the tub, then surrounded by the wood floor. It gives the appearance of an actual rug under the bath tub. Ingenious!

Note the exceptionally long length of this gathered duster. What eye-appeal and drama!

Bedding photos courtesy Country Living
Bathroom photos courtesy of Velvet & Linen

Vintage Inspired Bedding - Bamboo Sheets!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:00:00 +0000

I came across this Vintage Inspired Bedding. I really like the clean lines, the texture and believe it or not, it's eco-friendly. And are you ready for this... it's made from bamboo! Doesn't that seem like it would be scratchy and uncomfortable?

Naturally silky soft and exceptionally comfortable, bamboo sheets and bedding are antibacterial and eco-friendly. The structure of bamboo provides superior ventilation and wicking that keeps the user cool and comfortable when hot and warm when cold. 250 count construction gives bamboo sheets unique high comfort and performance not found in higher count sheets. Coverlets and shams have a brick quilt pattern with 2 ounce polyester fill. Featured in the Wall Street Journal and the TODAY show for Earth Day 2008. Easy care and machine washable.

Also Vintage Inspired - Nice tone on tone

Love this waffle weave set - 100% bamboo fiber. 250 count twill weave

Bamboo sheets! - Naturally silky soft and exceptionally comfortable, bamboo sheets. Top hems and pillowcase cuffs are sewn with a sherry stitch. Sheets and bedding are oversized to fit high loft mattresses. Easy care and machine washable.

HSI ~ Home Source International, Inc

Go Green with Recycled Glass Countertops!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 05:29:00 +0000

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with window treatments, but when I saw this, the interior designer in me just had to tell you about it.

With all the greening of America going on right now, I thought this was a brilliant! Many people think that when you go green you have to give up on style and performance. These countertops prove that theory wrong and nothing could be further from the truth. They definitely have the star-power we all want in our homes, yet you can feel good about doing your part by living 'green'.
Made of post-consumer recycled bottle glass, these Recycled Glass Countertops from Vetrazzo are not only beautiful, but are very durable as well.

"Georgia Green" bottles are used for a popular soft drink, for several different brands of wine, and for various types of sparking water. This unique pale green glass is unmistakable when you see it on the shelf, and it gives this distinctive mix its lovely soft green color: Hollywood Sage.

Every panel of Vetrazzo^® is unique. Variations in pattern and color will occur - they are an inherent part of Vetrazzo’s beauty.

Find out more at Vetrazzo

Complicated? You Betcha!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:00:00 +0000

When perusing through your latest edition of Architectural Digest, have you ever thought about what it took to get such a beautifully decorated home? Take a sneak peek behind-the-scenes at an unusually complicated installation we completed last week.

Here are a few details, pictures and a couple video snippets -

A curved fabric shade!
Two fabric shades over 15' wide and motorized!
A curved shade to match! (Do you know how hard that one was?)
All shades line up perfectly with each other - even the one that's curved.
Two very large cornice boxes. One even starts out straight then curves to follow the wall. And it's all in one piece! (That one was a monster!)

Intricate electrical wiring by one of the installers and he's wearing sunglasses!

Getting the one-piece, curved cornice box into the house was a bear!

After much trepidation, they got the curved cornice box up. I made sure the installers washed their hands before touching this nice white cornice box. Also note the use of gloves to make sure it didn't get any smudge marks.

What you can't see very well is the use of furniture pads on the floor. This is a standard on our installations. It insures the floor doesn't get dirty or damaged. We go above and beyond not to disturb our client's home any more than necessary while we are there. Not everyone provides this.

And here's the completed project. Quiet motors. Smooth running. No hiccups, stops or stalls. The shades end at the right place at the floor.

My customer was so happy with the project, he gave us a video testimonial. He was nervous, but did a great job! Thanks Sam!

Despite this project's complexities, it was installed in one afternoon! There were no fixes, repairs, re-makes or re-do's! All as a result of meticulous attention to detail, careful planning and working with an experienced window treatment specialist. It makes all the difference in the world.

Got Guests? Help Them Feel At Home - Create A Guest Bedroom They'll Never Want to Leave!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000

It's the holidays. For most that means a flurry of parties, entertaining, food, family and friends. If you've got guests coming, take a look at this video for ideas on helping your guests feel at home and comfortable while staying with you.

Cinderella Shades? Dingy Drapes? Transform them with New Hardware!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:14:00 +0000

Yummy Trims for Your Draperies, Pillows, Bedding & Home Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:02:00 +0000

Holiday Decorating - Use What You Have

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:55:00 +0000

I thought this was a great alternative to finding and hanging a wreath (found at Country Living). Very easy for those of us with no time to make wreaths, but still want color at the door! Take a look at some other wreaths I found (on Martha Stewart Living).

Keep Your Cool When the Weather Gets Hot!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:03:00 +0000

Often I'm asked by clients if they can have privacy at night, sun control during the day and maximize their view all in one product. Sound impossible? Actually the answer is. . . it's possible! Honeycomb shades are one of the best products on the market for all of those reasons and more. We use them often and continue to get raving client reviews.

Maximize Your View - Of all the window treatment products on the market today, they have the smallest stacking space in the industry.

Privacy - Great for bedrooms, offices, skylights, yet still allows the natural light to come in.

Room Darkening - Great for bedrooms and media rooms.

Clean Lines - No fuss or fluff, modern styling.

Can Go Incognito - Hardly noticeable when pulled up. Great for view windows when you want to draw your attention to the view, and not the window treatment.

Cordless - No strings hanging down.

Motorized - Great option. Reasonable. Not as expensive as you might think. Improved technology.

Outstanding Insulating Properties - Energy efficient. Keeps you cool in the heat of the summer.

Rich True Colors that Resist Fading - Great color selections.

FREE Shipping

For more information or to schedule an in-home appointment to talk about saving money on your energy bills with honeycomb shades, call 949.494.3345.

© 2008 Barbara Deckmeyer

10 Easy Tips For Bedded Bliss!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:47:00 +0000

Many moons ago when I discovered down comforters, I became a big fan right off the bat. One of the first things I discovered is how easy it is to make the bed. Just fluff and smooth and you're done. Secondly, I learned how simple and inexpensive it could be to dramatically change the look of the room by changing the bedding. I change mine out with the seasons and sometimes for no reason other than I'm bored with what I've been using! I like to use varying combinations of duvet covers, throws, shams, beautiful blankets and more. Take a look at the bedding tips and tricks below to help inspire you to make your bed (and your room) beautiful every day.

1. Simplify the bedding: Skip the top sheet and use a down comforter with a duvet cover. Give the comforter & the pillows a quick shake and a smooth every morning.

2. Use a spritz of a nice linen spray: It's a treat to slip into a fresh smelling bed.

3. Freshen your pillows: Once a week fluff them in the dryer on a low or no heat setting.

4. Even if you share a bed, make your side: I bet your significant other will soon follow suit.

5. No dual duty pillows: Make sure your decorative pillow shams have inserts that are made-to-fit the sham, then leave them there. Try not to use the same pillow to sleep on at night, then hurriedly try to stuff it into the sham when making the bed in the morning.

6. Time yourself making the bed: I bet it takes under 3 minutes. A blink in time even on a rushed morning.

7. Backtrack to your bedroom: After you've made the bed, go back to your room and take a check of your mood. The sight of your room will give you a little spring in your step.

8. Treat yourself to great linens and have them professionally pressed once in a while: There's something about crisp, freshly ironed sheets that makes the bed feel a bit more luxurious.

9. Consider this longstanding French tradition: To ensure the longevity of your bedding rotate your sheets, with a set in the closet, a set on the bed, and a set in the wash. This ensures that no one set receives more wear than another.

10. Add fresh flowers: Like fresh linens, fresh flowers make a room feel a little more lively, inviting and decorated.

For more information or to schedule an in-home appointment to talk about luxuriating your bedding, call 949.494.3345.

© 2008 Barbara Deckmeyer

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Barbara Deckmeyer, Interior Designer publishes The Shadey Ladies E-zine. If you'd like more health, happiness and beauty in your life, get your FREE tips now at www.TheShadeyLadies.com.

What a Whirlwind We Live In

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:28:00 +0000

Recently, I was having a conversation about the latest buzz topic.. 'the economy' and the other buzz topic of late, 'the election'. I've been paying attention to how much I've been affected by the media. Have you noticed their outpouring of fear, doom and gloom into my head and my psyche.

I got to thinking about the last time we experienced this kind of frenzy and it was during Y2K. Do you remember how fearful things were leading up to January 1, 2000? Do you remember the frenzy the media had us whipped into? Oh my goodness, I had friends staking claims in the hills just in case everything collapsed!

Looking back, it seems funny today doesn't it? But at the time, it was very real. I liken today to that time back then as well. No doubt, things are not too great right now and a lot of people have lost a lot of money. It's unfortunate and in no way can we ever feel the depth of what some are going through right now.

For the rest of us, the thing I think about is this. We're going to get through it. Some people will despair. Some will prosper. But most will trudge along and get through it, despite the hits they are taking.

We are a resilient people. I think we don't give ourselves enough credit for the things we go through and how we arrive 'at the other side'. Today's 'crisis' is NOT the end of the world, unless you let it be. If you've spent any substantial amount of adult time on this earth, you've been through some kind of crisis before. And here you are, still alive to tell about it.

So what to do today? Well, I don't know about you, but I've stopped watching the news. I don't listen to it on the radio. And I'm not reading the newspapers right now either. I do still get emails and some exposure to what's going on, via the internet, but I limit that as well.

For me to prosper, not just muddle through, it requires me to have an upbeat, big picture, forward thinking head on my shoulders. And I know myself, I'm not that way when I'm fearful.

So call me an ostrich if you'd like, but my watching the sensationalism behind all that fear, doom and gloom is not going to change one iota, no not one thing. I'm not going to change my position, my finances, stocks, retirement, etc. I'm in for the long haul, and I don't know about you, but I'm going to make it through to the other side of this with flying colors.

Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Deckmeyer) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:04:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to The Shadey Ladies blog.

This is a new addition to our website. So stay tuned because we'll be adding content as often as possible to provide you with great information and resources.

Check back again soon -

Barbara Deckmeyer
The Shadey Ladies, Inc. - President