BY By Alexandria Abramian | Photography by Jessica Bodas Photography

March 27 - 2015 2:20 PM

Interior decorator Ashley Clark is one to watch on the Orange County design scene. The Salt Lake City native lives in Newport Beach with her husband and four kids, and is staking her design claim with an online shop as well as a growing roster of residential design clients. Clarks boutique, Skout, specializes in pillows and accessories made of vintage fabrics (think everything from African mud cloth to recycled denim), while her interior design work is all about creating homes that reflect her clients personalities and lifestyles. I like quirk. I dont want peoples homes to feel like a model home too perfect or no personality, says Clark, who often mixes high and low elements. Im able to incorporate some Home Depot or Ikea into a million-dollar home.

When it comes to making high functioning, high-impact spaces, Clark relies on her favorite color (white) and then plays off that canvas with strategic bursts of color, art and pattern. I love contrast, like white sofas, because pillows, art and accessories pop off them. I love dark sofas for the same reason. Her least favorite design element? Tan or beige sofas as in everything blends. Yuck!

When it comes to papering walls, Clark takes a less-is-more approach. Relying on both hip and traditional companies such as Farrow & Ball, Hygge & West, as well as Cole & Son, she prefers papering just one wall in a room or taking wallpaper to the ceiling. I love wallpaper in small spaces. It makes a bigger impact!

:: shopskout.com

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One to Watch

What: Pillow Talk, presented by Sturgis High Schooll students.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: High School lecture hall

Tickets: $4 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens; available at the door.

Cast: Jan Morrow, interior decorator (Shawna George); Jonathan Forbes, a client (Vaughn Miller); Brad Allen, a songwriter (Daniel Steele); Alma, Jans maid (Cleanna Crabill); Pierot, Jans partner (Kevin Peterson); Mrs. Walters (Cedy Van Almen);Tony Walters, her son (Dontae Brown); Marie (Jasmine Miller); Eileen (Maggie Smith); Yvette (Aleese Rohr); Miss Conrad (Katie Horn); Supervisor (Uriah Geroux); Miss Dickenson (Ileona Geroux); Policeman (Patrick Anderson); Bessie, Brads maid (Maggie Smith); Mrs. Frost (Ileona Geroux); Mrs. Ames (Jessica Haller) Graham, a private detective (Uriah Geroux); Girl in Club, a singer (Cedy Van Almen); Tilda (Aleese Rohr); Ann, Jan's assistant (Alondra Cruz).

Co-directors:Lynn Brand and Claudia Pahls.

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Theater: Sturgis students to present 'Pillow Talk'

I have been wanting an addition on the back of my shop for some time for the lawn stuff. Its finally becoming a reality. Here are some pics of it

Well it started with this

I decided to have the slab poured end to end for 2 reasons. I needed a pad for soon to be pool equipment, and I didnt want to cut grass between the addition and back of the shop, figured I could use the concrete for something. So a 25x10 slab was born with footings on 2 sides and the front.

My lean-to plan was for 10x16. You can see the 10x16 area is smooth, the other 2 outside areas are broomed. The 2 outside areas have a slope to keep water where it should.

We start framing it up and then thought why not use the extra 4'x10' on the end for a little room. So my carpenter buddy made it happen and its great, gave me more room for not much more money. So now its about a 20x10 addition.

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My "Lean-To" Addition Finally - Pic Heavy - The Garage ...

They come from many walks of life and possess a multitude of talents and skills. Still, the Volunteers of the Month named jointly by the Beloit Daily News and the Voluntary Action Center this past year share something in common.

All can be described as extraordinary individuals for the generous time and efforts they have given of themselves to the Stateline Area.

In celebration of the honorees, the public is invited to reserve a place at the 35th Annual William D. Behling Volunteer of the Month Banquet at the Butterfly Club on Monday, April 13. The reception is set for 6-6:30 p.m. with dinner and a program to follow. Guest speaker will be Monica Kryzstopa of Visit Beloit. To make a reservation, call VAC at 608-355-1278 or email to: info@vac-rocks.org.

And the honorees are:

April 2014 - Otha Williams

Whether hes working with students in the School District of Beloit as a school psychologist, delivering toys at Christmas time for those in need, cooking up a batch of food for a hungry family, helping the homeless find shelter, or providing transportation to appointments for those without vehicles, Otha Williams is known for his kind heart and caring spirit. Having grown up in Beloit, he remains strongly attached to his hometown through his work and his volunteer service. Williams volunteers for the Salvation Army, his church in many ways, is a past president of the Beloit branch of the NAACP and a former vice president of the state branch. He also served on the Rock County Board of Supervisors and belonged to the Black Congressional Congress in Washington, D.C.

May 2014 Theresa Niles

She can be seen at Grinnell Hall Senior Center almost as many hours a week as the center is open. Theresa Niles not only decorates and reframes photos, she also cleans and repurposes items from the attic for the centers gift shop, has taught a variety of classes including crocheting, needlepoint cards, origami and hairpin lace. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, she was stationed throughout Asia and also learned a variety of paper folding arts. She also worked as a picture framer. Niles began volunteering at the center a couple years ago and is known not only for her hard work and artistic skills but for her patience in working with senior citizens as well.

June 2014 Tony Farrell Sr.

Renowned for his community service, Tony Farrell Sr. has been called a complete asset for his town and for Rock County. After 49 years with Voigt Music Center, he has turned his attention and passion 24/7 to the suicide prevention program in an effort to help save lives. Hes also engaged in many other volunteer endeavors. As a volunteer deputy coroner, he also employs his compassion for people. He also serves the public by volunteering at meetings for the Rock County Board of Supervisors, both Beloit and Janesville city councils, Janesville School Board and Blackhawk Technical College. He gives his time to the Beloit Police Reserve Unit, Freedom Fest, New Life Assembly of God Church, Historic Auto Attractions and Museum in Roscoe, Rotary Botanical Gardens, local nursing homes and many other groups.

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Celebrating excellence in volunteerism

Basement Remodeling | Basement Design Ideas
basement remodeling ideas, basement remodel, basement remodel ideas, basement remodeling costs, basement remodels, basement remodeling cost, basement remodeling cincinnati, basement ...

By: dheayank

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Basement Remodeling | Basement Design Ideas - Video

Housing market trends bode well for sellers this spring, but some may encounter hurdles even after they land a buyer.

Rising home values and a lack of inventory in many markets could set them up to receive competing offers, but that dynamic could also increase the likelihood that the appraised value of the home could fall short of the agreed upon sale price, potentially scuttling the deal. ... Subscribe or log in to read more

Housing market trends bode well for sellers this spring, but some may encounter hurdles even after they land a buyer.

Rising home values and a lack of inventory in many markets could set them up to receive competing offers, but that dynamic could also increase the likelihood that the appraised value of the home could fall short of the agreed upon sale price, potentially scuttling the deal.

Banks rely on appraisals to determine whether the size of a mortgage being sought by a homebuyer is justified by the market value of the home theyre looking to buy. Lenders do this to ensure that they will be able to recover their funds in the event they have to sell the home should the borrower default on the mortgage.

When an appraisal comes in below the agreed upon price, a buyer may not be able to borrow the amount needed to buy the home. At that point, the buyer usually has to make up the difference with a larger down payment or walk away.

This scenario was widespread in 2010, as foreclosures swelled following the housing bust, resulting in a surge in homes being valued by appraisers below what some buyers were willing to pay.

The same may be happening again, but for very different reasons.

The median price of previously occupied homes has climbed 7.5 percent over the past year to $202,600, according to the National Association of Realtors. One key factor: The inventory of homes for sale was at just 4.6 months in February. Thats down from a historic average of around 6 months.

Were definitely in a market thats shifted since 2012 to one where youre more likely to see a sales price thats above the appraisal, said Daren Blomquist, a vice president at real estate data firm RealtyTrac.

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Home appraisal comes in below your price: Now what?

4K Test | 3840x2160p | 4k UHD 30fps | Indoor Lighting Test
Please Note: Your viewing resolution will depend on your screen output. If you are not watching from a 4k monitor / tv then whatever your screen maximum output, that would be what you are...

By: Fun Diplomat

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4K Test | 3840x2160p | 4k UHD 30fps | Indoor Lighting Test - Video

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 26, 2015

Edge Lightings Cody LED Picture Light has won the prestigious 2014 Good Design Award from the world's oldest and most important industrial design award program.

Edge Lightings Cody is a sleek, low-profile LED picture light that is ideal for enhancing either contemporary or traditional art. The Cody LED Picture Light provides warm, efficient illumination that allows artwork to be displayed in the best way, while simultaneously reducing costs of ownership. Greg Kay, President of Edge Lighting, states, "It is a great honor to see the Cody LED Picture Light win the 2014 Good Design Award. Lighting design is our passion, and it is extremely satisfying when we can use it to enrich spaces while also helping the environment." The Cody LED Picture Light casts uniform, efficient illumination with no UV, IR, or use of mercury and its 95+ CRI, 3000K warm-white light provides museum-grade radiance that will enhance hues and strengthen whites. The adjustable fixture pivots 0 to 90 vertically and 0 to 20 horizontally for perfect placement, and is available in two attractive finishes with 6 or 12-inch shade lengths. Fully dimmable and easily mounted to a wood frame, metal frame, or wall, the Cody LED Picture Light consumes only 6 or 12 watts and utilizes LEDs that offers 50,000 hours of operation. Simple yet stunning, the Cody LED Picture Light ensures that your artwork is beautifully and efficiently illuminated for years to come.

The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design organizes a panel of judges annually, presenting the award to designs that enhance life and society. Christian Narkiewicz-Laine, Museum President and CEO of The Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design sums up the value of the award in one sentence, "Good Design is the singular, international design awards program that the entire design and corporate world waits for each year."

About Edge Lighting See it in a New Light. Edge Lighting takes pride in solving basic lighting problems through the use of technical knowledge, design engineering, cutting-edge LED technologies, and the essential elements of contemporary yet timeless aesthetics. Edge Lighting offers a complete inventory of specification grade, energy efficient fixtures with superior craftsmanship, and nearly all products are made in the USA. Simple yet elegant, the entire collection is ideal for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications in both residential and commercial environments. http://www.edgelighting.com

Gina Gasbarre Marketing Manager Edge Lighting ggasbarre(at)puredgelighting(dot)com

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Cody LED Picture Light By Edge Lighting Wins 2014 Good Design Award

Architects - These Colours Don #39;t Run - London Roundhouse 14/3/15
Heavy!

By: WeButterTheBread WithNicolasCage

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Architects - These Colours Don't Run - London Roundhouse 14/3/15 - Video

Luisa Todini - Poste Italiane: Architects of our Future
ASP 11th Cycle Opening Politecnico di Torino February 27th, 2015 Luisa Todini is an Italian entrepreneur. Former member of the European Parliament, from 2014 she is President of Poste Italiane.

By: Alta Scuola Politecnica

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Luisa Todini - Poste Italiane: Architects of our Future - Video