INGREDIENTS

• 1 inch grated ginger
• 1 inch grated cucumber (I skip this sometimes and it is just as great!)
• Juice of half a lime
• 6 mint leaves
• .5 cup sparkling water
• .5 cup diet ginger ale

INSTRUCTIONS

• Muddle ginger, cucumber, and lime in a bowl.
• Strain the mixture into your glass using a small strainer. Press on the mixture with your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure all the juice is extracted from the ginger, cucumber and lime.
• Clap the mint leaves together in your hands 3-4 times to release the oils and scent, then add them to your glass.
• Add ice and top with half ginger beer, half sparkling water. Stir gently.
• Garnish with your choice of lime wheels, ginger, cucumber or mint and serve.

​INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup Frozen pineapple chunks
• ⅓ cup Coconut cream
• ½ cup Pineapple juice

INSTRUCTIONS

• Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Pour into a glass, garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve immediately.

Next came a shopping trip for accessories to further the inspiration and set a direction for the new design. These new items tie back to the homeowner's favorite things and her story by bringing out her whimsical and dramatic nature in an updated and classy style. 

My Recommendations for her kitchen design

Countertop – Tea Leaf Silestone
Ceilings – Because they are lower than she'd like, use Ivory Lace (SW7013) on ceiling
Cabinetry - Because there are white appliances – use Ivory Lace (SW7013)
To bring in the bling – change out the cabinet doors to shaker style or other raised panel that allows you to add picture frame molding in a coordinating metal.
Optionally, use Spicy Hue (SW6342) on lower cabinets to weight the room and warm it up.
Walls – Bonsai Tint (SW6436) or Haven (SW6437):  These are light greens which will complement the green outside her windows.
Backsplash – This can be a party!  Think - Masquerade Ball - Harlequin patterned tile using Spicy Hue and a green to match the countertop, plus black and white. Remember her Mardi Gras Mask?

Here's my recommendation for a classy place to dine after whipping up a meal or having a cocktail in the new kitchen. I'd skip the mauve chairs in this inspiration picture. What a beautiful table adding history and character while comfy chairs allow diners to sit for lasting conversation after an enjoyable meal!

More work will need to be done to bring the more mid-century modern kitchen design in line with the traditional dining area (or vice versa) as this design gets refined. Getting to know a client is key. Designing around their favorite things is fun for me as well as the clients as the details come to the surface and they see my interpretations are as unique as they are.

1) Pick a chair and table that match in style and compliment the style of the rest of your room.

2) Add a lamp that picks up the main color of the chair. Or pick one that is neutral and has a metallic or wood accent or gives you a color to use in picking the rest of your accessories.

3) Add a pillow and/or a throw for color variation with at least one color you have already included in your vignette. If your palette is only neutrals at this point, make it a colorful choice.

4) Add art and accessories that complete the picture. Make sure they give you joy and follow these tips to ensure they fit the space.
 - If you have angles, pick wall art with organic materials and/or shapes.
 - If your pillow reveals a theme, go with it - nature always offers options to enhance a space.
 - Think about holidays or seasons coming up and pick accessories that give a nod to that theme.

Remember that art and accessories are typically meant to be changed up over the course of time. If you love it, use it. If you grow tired of it change it out. Most of all have fun. That is the key ingredient to bringing in your personality so that not only will you love it, but all those who love you will be able to appreciate it as well.

Home Downsizing Decisions for Seniors

One of the hardest decisions you can make in life is downsizing to a smaller home, especially if you’ve lived in your house your entire life. If you’re thinking about downsizing, there are plenty of factors to consider — and they may not all be easy to resolve.

Should You Sell or Rent Your Home?
Selling your home is a great way to liquidate an asset and supplement your income, but it’s not without its drawbacks. For example, if you’re selling in an overheated market, you might find that you aren’t getting as much money out of your home as you thought. Plus, moving can be difficult and time-consuming — and who wants to do all that packing?

Brenda Szarek, Designer/Owner of Autumn Light Interiors, has advice for home owners planning to sell in the next 5 years so you can get as much out of your home as possible now.

If you're looking for a passive income, you might decide to rent out your house instead. This allows you to make money off of your property while living elsewhere, such as in an independent living or assisted living community. You can even cut back on costs by downsizing into a smaller space and renting out your old one.

Keeping Your Home in the Family
You may have been planning to pass your house onto the next generation in your family and move into an apartment after you retire, but how can you be sure that one of your kids will want to take it over? One solution is to rent out a home in a location that makes sense for their life and see if they like it. If they do, then you can discuss transferring ownership at some point. Another solution is to transfer ownership immediately upon your retirement.

Is it the right time to move?
One of the reasons why you might be slow to downsize is because you’re afraid of losing your home's investment value. In truth, selling your home can be an ideal option when it comes to downsizing, especially if you have a lot of equity in the house or it's paid off. When working out how much you can make from selling, you'll need to factor in Realtor fees, your outstanding mortgage balance, and average house prices in your city. If you’re a senior and considering moving, but aren’t sure if it’s time, ask yourself these questions: Are your children grown? Is your spouse deceased or do you live apart from them? Do you feel lonely in your home? Does your place no longer suit your needs and desires? Have you had a recent health scare that has shaken up your life (think heart attack or stroke)? If you answered yes to some of these, it may be time to consider downsizing.

Get a Better Night Sleep
Whether you decide to sell, rent out, or keep it in your family, make decisions about downsizing with clarity and confidence. And that translates into less stress, as well as better sleep at night. Visit Autumn Light Interiors, based in Verona, Wisconsin for creative interior design solutions for your changing lifestyle.