What to Do With That Fireplace You’re Not Using

fireplace 2Make the extra space work for you with artfully arranged logs, books or decorative objects

So you got lucky in your house hunt, finding a home with a fireplace. But it doesn’t work. If a fix is not in the budget or even possible, here are several ideas for making the most of it. And should the fireplace be in good working order but you know that actually making a fire will be a rare occurrence, take the liberty of treating this feature in a way that fits your lifestyle and design preferences.

10 Things to Consider Before Remodeling Your Bathroom

bath remodelA designer shares insider tips and tricks for your bathroom renovation

Whether you have a simple powder room or a master en suite, functionality should be at the heart of your bathroom remodel. Read on to learn tricks for gaining storage, improving lighting and drainage, and more to ensure that your renovated bathroom stands the test of time.

Music Review: Snarky Puppy – We Like It Here

We Like It HereA couple of months ago while working on a music project together, my friend and brilliant musician Robert Puff recommended this band to me. One listen and I was hooked! This isn’t for everyone, Jazz isn’t an art form that attracts across all platforms, but these guys are worth the listen.

Snarky Puppy is changing up the game completely and is making Jazz more popular than it has been for a long time. Jazz and Funk have been areas of music that a lot of people have said was dead, but it looks like it is being brought back to life with this album Snarky Puppy has put together entitled, “We like It Here” Though the group is still somewhat underground, the group’s popularity is catching fire.

The machine, that is Snarky Puppy, is a collective of musicians from the Dallas and New York area that are musically inclined on a whole other level. In the mainstream world of music, this is what’s going to become the popular style of music. It’s a fusion of Jazz and Funk that feels worldly, in the sense that it’s a style of music that is nodded at in almost every country on the planet. So, hats off to them for getting some more mainstream buzz, as well as winning a Grammy for Best R&B Performance.

Just like all their other albums and DVDs, the group recorded this album during a live performance, which this time was in front of a sold out London crowd. The group consists of about 40 musicians and everyone puts in what they have to offer. As a collective, the group puts together all of the musical ideas and from there, they run away with it.

Not everyone is going to be a fan of some new age Jazz, but I think you should give it a try before you decide to put it down. Their music is hip, it’s fresh and very distinct. Most of all, it’s original and I can truly say that I haven’t heard very much music like it.

Here’s a little taste:

[pb_vidembed title=”” caption=”” url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_XJ_s5IsQc” type=”yt” w=”680″ h=”385″]

This is a group of musicians who really get music. The way they blend the layers of rhythm and melody is just simply amazing. There’s not a single complaint I have about this album, and I highly suggest it to everyone. I have a feeling that fans, of every style of music, will be able to relate to the coolness of Snarky Puppy. So, make sure to check it out and enjoy.

20 Tips To Skyrocket Your Confidence

In our everyday life it is difficult to feel confident all the time, however, for some the feeling is more elusive than for others. Worries can become overwhelming and fill you with doubt and uncertainty, which can hinder the enjoyment of life! That is why we have gathered some advice to help your self-assurance grow and your confidence skyrocket.

Found on MyBreast.org 

20-Tips-To-Skyrocket-Your-Confidence

Real Trends January Market Report

real trends thumbHere’s what’s happened in real estate last month.

[pb_vidembed title=”” caption=”” url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvjau__evd0″ type=”yt” w=”680″ h=”385″]

Daylight Saving Time – How Is This Still A Thing?

DST thumbSo this coming Saturday (okay, Sunday early morning) we go to Daylight Savings Time.  John Oliver asks a question that many of us are curious about. How is this still a thing?

[pb_vidembed title=”” caption=”” url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br0NW9ufUUw” type=”yt” w=”680″ h=”385″]

Here’s What 2000 Marbles Sound Like

marble machineThis is what Swedish musician Martin Molin did with 2000 marbles.

And you thought a drum set was a pain to load and unload at gigs!

[pb_vidembed title=”” caption=”” url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q” type=”yt” w=”680″ h=”385″]

10 Ideas for a Lighter, Brighter Living Room

bright living roomsGive your space a brightening boost all year round by making the most of every bit of daylight

Most of us have a couple of rooms in our homes that get less light than we’d like. You may find that you gravitate toward the pleasing sunny spots, while avoiding spaces that feel gloomier. Heavy curtains, dark carpets and the wrong paint color can all take their toll on the impression of light in a space.

If you’d like to get more use out of your living areas in the daytime, take time to consider what improvements could be made. These 10 inspirational tips should help you to see the light.

Home Prices Up 5.76%

FHFA-Home-Prices-KCM

To-Dos: Your March Home Checklist

march to tod thumbSpring is in the air and dust bunnies are under your refrigerator

March can be unpredictable when it comes to the weather, but no matter what Mother Nature is doing outside your window, it’s natural to crave a fresh start this time of year. The first official day of spring is March 20, so usher in the new season with a bit of spring cleaning, fresh flowers and — if you can get outdoors — a little dirt under your fingernails.