One Year Ago

One year ago, I was sitting in this house wondering what was next.

While spending a few days with my family at a friend's beach house, I was trying to figure a way out of a slump brought on by a little run-in with "ageism".

See the post on that event here: Doesn't Everyone Know 49 is the New 29?

I knew I had to find something to get excited about, for myself and my career, if I didn't want to buy into the message that my best days were behind me.

That is when the idea that led to the launch of House of Fifty began...

{three issues to date with another in the works}

One year later, I'm thrilled. It was been such a rewarding venture to work on and I am so thankful to all the people who have become part of this project, and to the reception it has received from you. I think it is very fitting the "anniversary" of the idea for House of Fifty falls on the week of Thanksgiving!

{now available in "print to order", and as an App from the iTunes store}

Here's to being thankful for all life brings to us.

LL Textiles from Lauren Liess & Pure Style Home

I am quite taken with the line of textiles launched by Lauren Liess. Have you seen them?

The designs are such a wonderful reflection of Lauren's design aesthetic:

 Timeless, earthy and beautifully classic.

The photos of the fabrics are pretty fantastic as well!

{don't you think?}

To see more of the line visit the shop here.

And to read an article featuring her fabrics, furniture and the story about how she decided to launch this venture, see 'Talent We Are Taken With: Lauren Liess' in the fall issue of House of Fifty!

Kendi Everyday

We loved featuring Kendi's blog in the Fall issue of House of Fifty, this girl has style!!

Daily looks & where the pieces were found...I'd love to get a peek at her closet!

Trend Alert: Short Curtains!

Would you hang short curtains in a room in your home?

Natalie from Natty by Design did, and they add just the right amount of color and fun to her daughter's room!

To see more fantastic rooms in which short curtains are used with success, read "Trend Alert: The Long and Short of It" in the Fall issue of House of Fifty, beginning on page 20. Emily A. Clark writes a fun piece that explains what type of rooms short drapes look best in!

Look Who Is Joining The House of Fifty Team: Kim Myles!

After the release of the premier issue of House of Fifty, just who did I have the pleasure of getting to know? Kim Myles, of HGTV fame. And even better, she is to become the newest member of the House of Fifty team beginning with the next issue. Lucky us!

To get things off to a fun start, Kim is hosting a "Name This Column" contest on her blog. She writes:

"Remember when I told you guys about the fabulous new online magazine House of Fifty a few months ago? Well, the Fall issue is fabulously live (read it HERE), they have a new blog (HERE), and I’m joining their family as a contributing columnist!

I’m completely honored to be part of a magazine that celebrates a passionate and authentic approach to living well, and I’m delighted to be working alongside so many smart, talented women!
But… I need your help. My column will explore the powerful relationship between design and our emotional lives…and I’m absolutely stumped as to what I should name it. Seriously, my mind is a blank (and I’m starting to panic!).

Please, help me NAME THIS COLUMN!!!
The deadline is 9/1/11. Start your engines!"

And what is the prize? Well, hop on over to Kim's blog to find out and offer up your suggestions!

Welcome to House of Fifty Kim!

House of Fifty: Our Second Issue Is Live!

I am delighted to announce the Fall issue of House of Fifty is live!
{click here to read}

A big "Thank You" to the contributors, as well as everyone else who submitted materials and played a role in making this issue become a reality.

We all hope you enjoy House of Fifty!

Janell

Busy Working On...Thank Yous!

It certainly wouldn't be much fun working on House of Fifty without the wonderful team of contributors. So this past weekend I was busy wrapping up little thank you gifts.

And what makes the job of gift wrapping a delight? Pretty supplies!

Sweet thank you cards, detailed little envelopes...

...and Tiffany blue paper. 

{all from Target, gotta love that store!}

A big thanks to the House of Fifty fall issue contributors!

Coming August 1st

Busy Working On...

...House of Fifty!

Coming August 1st

Busy Working On...

House of Fifty!

In this article the fabulously talented Shari, of little blue deer, shares her tips on how to work effectively from home. Reading through I got some great ideas on how to be more productive myself, and I know you will too!

Coming August 1st

Busy Working On...

House of Fifty!

I can't wait to share this and all the other articles we are busy working on for the Fall issue!

Coming August 1st