Logitech and the entire Harmony line has finally come to along to solve the problem of managing multiple remote controls and devices.  Count ‘em up – flat screen TV, surround sound speakers, DVD player, apple TV, cable TV and video game consoles fill my living room with remote controls!  The clutter is Killing Me and is an eye sore.    Sure, there are plenty of universal remotes that can manage your DVD player and TV, but the Logitech Harmony One replaces up to 15 remotes and does it with grace (talk about multi-tasking!)

Enter to win a Harmony 650!

I’ve been using the Harmony One (retail $249.) for the past month and can’t sing its praises enough.   What makes it nicer than other universal remotes?  It is well designed – fits in the palm of my hand and is not awkwardly shaped.  It feels balanced, like it can handle my channel changing obsessed family.  The Harmony One has a touch screen, so I can see my devices – my son’s Xbox, the wii and surround sound.  Best of all, I hit one-two buttons and it turns on my tv, switches inputs and finds the device.  It is also rechargeable, so no more looking for batteries.  Where has this been my whole life?

Don’t just take my word for it, you must read Desiree’s thoughts on the Harmony One.

We love it and know you will too, there are 5 types in the Harmony line from the Harmony 300i which manages 4 devices to the Harmony which is touch screen.   We are giving away a Harmony 650 to one lucky reader, this remote controls 5 devices, has a color LCD screen and a one-click activity buttons. (retail $99.99  ) Simply leave a comment here telling us which remote you’d most like to get rid of.  We’ll pick one winner at random.

Be sure you leave your email address so we can find you.  You can have an additional entry by tweeting our contest. Be sure you leave proof of tweet in our comments.   Contest ends on Monday, January 31, 2011 by midnight.  You have 24 hours to claim your prize after we notify you via email.  Good luck!

Disclosure: Logitech provided the prize for us and items to review, but the opinions are all our own.

Fleur*t Shop on San Francisco's Clement Street

Because I can’t get enough of Clement Street in San Francisco, I stumbled upon Fleur*t.  One of my all time favorite urban flowershops,where “French country meets London industrial”.   The owner has a great eye and assembles an eclectic mix of sophisticated new and found pieces that will make your home or office pop.  Whether you pick up a NEST candle, hand painted tiles or a small watercolor, you are sure to find something that you couldn’t pick up at Pottery Barn.

One could easily spend 30 minutes just looking around at the treasures big and small, and I did on a recent

trip before I got around to buying a birthday bouquet for a friend.  Did I mention you can also buy flowers?  Sure you could get roses here, but why would you when she can put together something amazing with flowers as unique as the gal you are giving them to.   You can pick up gorgeous hostess gifts, a succulent arrangement for your dinner party table and some thing lil’ for yourself!

Fleur*t

15 Clement Street

San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 751-2747

I’ve been anxiously watching my salsa garden grow – tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos. While my garden is tiny, been thinking about how to spruce up the containers as my garden grows – Garden Markers! Take a looki at these unique stakes I found on Etsy.com.  Perfect gifts for the gardner in your life or an homage to your tomatoes, ’cause everyone (even your veggies!) can use a little bling. 

These stamped Vintage Silverware Garden Markers are made by Wooden Hive.  The set of 4 is $21.00

Takit from Michigan makes these Copper Plant Markers. (Set of 10 for $30.00)

For a little pop of color, these Artisan Hands’ Veggie Garden Stakes (3 for $20) would fit the bill.

Here are highlights from this year’s tour:

1.)  Deborah Arant and Richard Nieset’s Spanish Colonial Revival on Sequoia Avenue seemed like a dream.  I could imagine lounging by the pool, margaritas in hand as I cooked a grand BBQ in their outdoor kitchen.  The home shaped like the pii symbol had three separate gardens, giving everyone in the household an area to relax and call their own.  The home featured an extensive collection of Turkish rugs and art from the couple’s travels around the world, including pieces by Thomas McKnight. Desiree and I were on vacation!

The homeowners also remodeled the original kitchen, transforming it in a green certified masterpiece.  They reused 100% of the materials, meaning nothing went to the dump!  The result?  A modern kitchen with a nod to the 1920′s feel throughout the home, complete with built-in espresso maker!  In addition, when building their outdoor kitchen and gates, the couple used reclaimed wood from Napa.

2.)  The Washington’s Tudor Revival home on Sierra Avenue was picture perfect. Central to the quaint home, the fireplace features Malibu pottery tiles in the Mayan and Aztec motif, very typical of California homes. On the other hand, consistent with classic Tudor styling, the home had perfectly preserved Tudor arch door with glass stained windows and American walnut beamed ceilings. I loved their collection of antique silhouettes from the 1890′s through the 1930′s.

3.)  Collections and Obsessions make a house a home.  The gorgeous example of a modernized American Foursquare on Yosemite Avenue belongs to Michael Abler and Michael Smith.  While the home boasts many features that make this a stand out ( alabaster light fixtures to die for, a grand kitchen, box-beam ceilings and impeccable landscaping), what stuck with me were its owners collections – vintage martini shakers, globes, marbles, pez dispenser and sea shells.  All thoughtfully displayed in cases, shelves or oversized jars; they begged me to ask the owners to tell me more. Alas they were not there to chat with, but it made me think about what collections I would put out for display.  A wonderful and quick idea I could replicate immediately!

4.) Architect Steve Hinderberger and Michael Segovia own the modern prairie style bungalow on Yosemite.  The home is furnished in Bauhaus style with a mix of modern furniture, sculpture created by the homeowner and nods to the homes 1920s roots.  I was in immediately in love with lines of the Eames Lounge chair and the glass Noguchi table.  Hinderberger also created an easel to hold a beautiful Calder by repurposing a vintage handcart.  The bathroom featured chocolate walls with chocolate towels – how is that for a quick way to keep dirty finger print hidden with a touch of panache!   The kitchen itself was another example of smart design, where custom built oak cabinets created ample room for a access to a basement office. The  result is modern and functional.

Here’s the complete slideshow:

Last week I had the honor of getting to stay at guest lodge of New York Time’s Best Selling Author’s Ree Drummond aka The Pioneer Woman herself in gorgeous Oklahoma. I was filming a webisode of Putting it All Together Series produced by BlogHer and sponsored by Macy’s. Loralee Choate, Ree and I chatted mostly about fashion for real gals. (though they looked like models!)  While we coulda chatted for days, I have to admit to being distracted by the pure gorgeous-ness of Ree’s Lodge.

Luckily, you can find the full back story on how she and her husband, Marlboro Man renovated the place in 2009 from choosing the countertops to building the deck. As a home renovation junkie, I have loved reading all about it. I am sure you will too!

My pictures did not do this place justice. I was too busy and floored by the whole experience that I didn’t remember to ask her anything about what vendors she used or where she bought things.  Aack. (Bad blogger!)  But you can find all that on her site, where she chronicled the Lodge transformation.   Some of my favorite parts included:

• Entertainer’s Paradise: The four bedroom, five bath Lodge is where guests stay. I expect it is where Ree and Marlboro Man, throw a pretty mean BBQ!  The deck is gorgeous and has simply an amazing view.  The whole lay out is open and yet comfortable – a perfect setting for a family dinner or a party for the entire ‘hood.   The palette was simple, modern, and distinctly cowboy.  I loved their wet bar, casual so you felt you could pour your own glass of wine.  Yet, modern enough to have both a wine fridge, ice maker and soda chiller all built in and at your fingertips.

• Kitchen Nirvana: PW has a best selling book, so you can guess here kitchen is picture perfect. It is state of the art with an ample pantry complete with an HUGE sub-zero freezer for storing meat in the winter and prepping food for parties. There was a mix of granite, and stainless steel. Ree said, she “got the best of both worlds!”  The kitchen had a multitude of great little touches from the huge amount of counter space that could double as buffet stations to bar stools set up so you could pull up for a chat with the chef and help with cooking.

• A Cozy Fireplace: Imagine a cold winter night with a raging fire going on in the middle of this space.  No matter where you are you are sure to feel its warmth.  Perfect.

• Intelligent Seating: I also was impressed by her mix of sofas and chairs ranging from a pair of zebra printed chairs to deep chenille sofas placed near the kitchen, positioned to survey the delicious cooking and feel the warmth of the fireplace.   Every piece of furniture was easy, set up for guests to relax and all moveable so it would be a snap to host game night for a large crowd or a cozy conversation for two. Notice the animal print floor covering?  They were all over the Lodge unifying the look throughout.

• The best reminder that you are on a working ranch: There was a wall of more than a dozen pairs of boots. Enuf said.

As a city girl, I have to admit, this place made me want to pack my bags and head to OK, ’cause if this is what it is like to live in the MidWest, I am ready to go.

Photos by Loralee Choate and Sheila Dowd.

Here’s the complete slideshow:

Like many of you, I have a busy household – the kind where kids are in and out, dirty soccer shoes seem to be strewn about no matter how often I threaten beheadings and grubby fingers find the walls attractive.  Sigh.  I have often thought, I have three choices – 1.) get rid of the kids, 2.) resign myself to not buying new furniture till they are both in college or 3.) bring back the clear plastic coverings my aunt had on her furniture back in the 70′s. (Seriously, she did!)

But the folks at Crypton seem to have come up with a fabric that may change things.  They have just launched a new furniture line featuring modern designs by Debbie Wiener, designer and author of Slob-Proof: Real-Life Home Decorating Solutions.

The furniture can withstand muddy paws, wine, ketchup and can stand up to whatever your family throws at it, thanks to an eco-friendly treatment that makes Crypton Super Fabrics fend off stains, eliminate odors and repel germs.

Seems perfect for household with pets, kids or the occasional spiller!  Check out the the Life on Crypton blog and read about the new furniture line. Imagine this gorgeous couch ($2799)  and having kids and pets?  Can they really co-exist together? Crypton and Debbie say YES!  The line is completely bleach-cleanable and nice to touch. (Read, not like my aunt’s clear plastic!)  To test it out, the manufacturers are sending me some fabric to cover my dining room chairs.  Stay tuned to see how that project turns out and if Crypton can really handle dinner at my house.

We are featuring some of Debbbie Wiener’s slob proof decorating tips in our Q&A section, along with giving away 5 copies of her book.  Check it out and enter the contest today.

Kids, husbands and people who eat spaghetti and sometimes spill can all be put in the category of “slobs”.  Given today’s economy, who had funds to buy a new chair when wine spills on your neutral chair? Debbie Wiener offer tips on how to minimize the havoc “slobs” can without breaking the bank:

Flooring: Area rugs with patterns and color are your best ally for hiding stains and protecting floors. Afterall it is cheaper to replace a carpet than restain your entire floor.  A flat weave, reversible rug is great for families with children.  You can flip the rug over once your kids destroy it, doubling your rug’s life span.
Paint: White or cream walls scream for fingerprints! Try a color that brings both warmth or drama, yet creates finger print camouflage.  A scrubbable finish, like Benjamin Moore’s Aura, provides one-coat coverage with very low odor.  Paint your typical builder-grade banister a dark color, like navy, so it won’t show fingerprints.
Wite it out: Keep the correction fluid “Wite Out” on hand for quick corrections to white cabinetry, doors, wood trim and even white tile grout! It quickly covers flaws, dings and damage until you have the time to re-paint. Got scratches on painted furniture and walls? Sharpie permanent ink markers come in dozens of colors and can be used to hide marks on furniture legs, walls, picture frames…just about anything in color.
Fabrics that work: When thinking about fabrics to reupholster chairs avoid polished cotton, light weight fabrics and solid colors. Patterns provide camouflage, are sturdier for daily use and can stand the use of cleaning products. If you have pets, try choosing fabrics that mask pet hair, like light brown patterns for your sandy haired retriever.
Toss It: If you can’t afford to change the sofa and chairs, change your toss pillows! Soft, down-filled pillows in unexpected patterns and colors will make the seating look new and feel luxurious.
Do the Flip: Rotate sofa cushions to hide wear and tear and to extend the life of your seating. Got a spot on that seat cushion? Turn it over and keep the clean side up when company comes. Rotate your area rug to extend its life span and even out the wear and tear. You may even be able to hide spots and stains under furniture with this simple move.

Debbie Wiener is a DC-based interior designer and author of the top-selling book, “Slob Proof! Real Life Design Solutions.” She has also recently partnered with Crypton to develop the Slobproof! Collection – a colorful line of Crypton-covered furniture designed with busy households in mind.

We are giving away 5 copies of Debbie’s book.  Just leave a comment here letting us know your best slob proofing solution or problem.  If you tweet the contest, we’ll give you an extra entry. (max 1 tweet per day)  Giveaway ends April 24, 2010.  Please leave a valid email address.

]]> http://www.lookiloos.com/2010/03/tips-on-how-to-slobproof-your-home-and-giveaway.html/feed 14 http://www.lookiloos.com/2010/03/san-jose-penthouse-living.html http://www.lookiloos.com/2010/03/san-jose-penthouse-living.html#comments Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:34:36 +0000 sheila http://www.lookiloos.com/?p=2761

I love looking at lofts.  I imagine the hip life I’d live being in the middle of all the actions – restaurants, museums, bars and downtown fun – where I walked to get my morning coffee at the cafe downstairs and had my favorite booth at my neighborhood bar.  The folks at Silicon Valley Loft and Condo’s sent me this tip knowing of my “urban living” envy.  This week’s Lookiloo’s Peek is all that and more.

This 2,410 square feet one bedroom plus loft condominium in downtown San Jose.  The floor plan includes an expansive living area, gourmet kitchen, formal dining area, breakfast nook, solarium, and large upstairs loft.

Aside from hardwood floors and dramatic high ceilings, one of the stand out features was the unit’s floor-to-ceiling windows in the solarium. How often do you see a solarium and view like this in a loft? Wow!

At the heart of this space is a fireplace feature designed to replicate an old world building complete with “exposed bricks” and “open vent holes.”

46 W. Julian Street, Unit #PH7
San Jose, CA 95110
List price $949,000
Contact Silicon Valley Lofts and Condos if you are interested.

Christina Aguilera is unquestionably one of today’s hottest pop stars.  Her style on stage is a mix of cutting edge, classic and vampy all at once.  I wondered what that meant for her home.  Would it reflect her performance costumes or something totally different?

Her 5 bedroom bedroom, 11,000 square-foot Beverly Hills home was previously owned by the Osbourne’s. Yes, Ozzy Osbourne! Aguilera reportedly fell in love with the kitchen while watching the Osbournes’ reality show on MTV, so when it hit the market after the show was cancelled, she swooped in. In pure rock star fashion, the home is a mix of Mediterranean, Chinois accents and Gothic. It is as spunky and eclectic as she is.

Some highlights:

Shoe closet: “Everything on my shoe wall is grouped by designer — Louboutin, McQueen, YSL — all in their own little family,” notes Aguilera. “And there’s room for boots up top.” You have to love that it also features a chandelier and leopard-print rug.

Game Room: Pink and black pool table, full size arcade games and bright rugs bring FUN to this play room for adults.

Baby Room: Christina showed off where the real master of the house slept, Baby Max.  That is one big Moon! (Photo from people.com)

Bedroom: “I wanted a grand bed — to feel like a queen on a throne,” says the singer of her extravagant four-poster bed. I think you got that.

These photos are from a shoot she did for InStyle Magazine in 2009.  Photos by Douglas Friedman.

Last week at the Mom 2.0 summit, I was lucky enough to meet the fine folks at Cambria Cove, a new online shop that carries finds from artisans all over the world.  They had a suite filled with some of the fine goods they sell on their site – from stationary to jewelry to home goods. Often I feel gift sites look pretty online, but my purchases disappoint me when I get the product home. But everything I touched, sampled and felt was exquisite! I was enamored by the variety if home products Cambria Cove carried, many of which would make perfect gifts.  BTW – all products arrive all wrapped up in pretty green boxes – ready for gifting.

A few items caught my eye:

Confetti Rocks Pitcher and Glasses by Rose Ann Hall Designs.  This glassware is all hand blown by artisans in the gorgeous town of San Miguel De Allende, Mexico (One of my dream cities)  The glasses had a nice sturdy weight to them, making them the perfect glass for summertime iced tea or a margarita!  This is perfect for wishing away winter blahs. (Pitcher $50, Set of 4 glasses $50)

I have written before about my little obsession with Gianna Rose Atellier soaps.  I love their whimsical designs, the lovely scents and luxury feel of the soap itself.  They are nice hostess gifts and add a little sparkle to your bathroom.   I love these soaps!   Cambria Cove carries quite a selection.  These perched turtle dove birds come with this bird bath/soap dish ($35) are scented with hyacinth and tulip.  These Robin Egg Soaps would make a sweet Easter gift ($55).