Stunning Aqualens at Galleria

The other day I was at The Galleria shopping mall in Edina. As I strolled down the hallway, my attention was caught by a large, spherical fountain. I immediately went to see it up close. It was beautiful. It was located within/outside Lili Salon – Spa.

I asked Andrea, a massage therapist at the salon, about the fountain. She told me it was created by Allison Armour. I had suspected as much since I had written about her fountains and garden art some time ago. That post is titled Art in the Garden. It was such a pleasure to see her work in person.

If you’re equally enchanted by this sculpture and fountain (known as an Aqualens), make a point of stopping by to see it. Clever Lili Salon – Spa placed their doors so that the fountain remains outside the salon, allowing visitors to get an up close view any time. I didn’t have my camera to take a photo so here’s one from the original post I wrote about Allison’s work.

A lot of people find the holidays stressful. If you find yourself in need of pampering, perhaps an appointment for services at Lili Salon – Spa will bring needed relief.

Lili Salon – Spa
3464 Galleria
Edina MN 55436
952-935-5000
salonlili.com

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Fall 2012 Parade of Homes

Parade of Homes (New Homes)
September 8-30

Remodelers Showcase
September 28-30

Homes open Thursday through Sunday, noon to 6pm

There are very few new homes on the Parade this year compared with other years. There are far more remodels. This is not surprising given the real estate marketplace of late.

We’re featuring these two St. Paul remodels because we recently had clients close on their new home in St. Paul and they plan to do some remodeling. They are seeking to make the new space blend and match the original period of the house. This is always a good way to approach a remodel and addition; big differences in the feel of spaces will hurt sellers when it comes time to sell.

839 Osceola Avenue, St. Paul

Here is a description of this project from the Parade of Homes website: “This kitchen and bath remodel in a historically significant house in Saint Paul’s Summit Hill neighborhood illustrates how to remodel the heart of a house without losing its soul. Next Level Renovation, with designer David Heide, replaced the 1980’s kitchen in this 1890 residence with a space that features period sensibilities and the latest amenities. The original house was designed by Cass Gilbert, the turn-of-the-twentieth-century architect, notable for his classic homes and other buildings, including the State Capitol in Saint Paul.”

683 Portland Avenue, St. Paul

From the description on the Parade of Homes website: “Come and see how the convenience of a modern kitchen blends seamlessly with a stately home in the historic Summit Avenue neighborhood of St. Paul. The three-story addition also provides an art studio, main-floor laundry/mud room, and a cozy wine cellar with tasting room. In collaboration with architect David Herreid, McDonald Remodeling proves again that you can have it all: character, style, and convenience in your existing home!”

Contact us for more information if you are considering a remodel or an addition and would like to discuss keeping your home and design as salable as possible. Visiting the Remodelers Showcase homes is a good way to meet remodelers and see their work in person.

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Kate and Ellen Walsh
Coldwell Banker Burnet
612.220.3304
emwalsh@cbburnet.com

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Minneapolis Queen in Motion

Weekly Photo Challenge: Movement
July 7, 2012

I was on Nicollet Island yesterday afternoon. The Minneapolis Queen paddle wheeler came into view while I was on one of the bridges. Climb aboard for a fun summer activity. Paradise Charter Cruises offers public and private cruises on the Mississippi River through historic downtown Minneapolis.

Paradise Charter Cruises: Minneapolis Queen

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Furnace Filters Become Art

Relief Circles by Louise Harris

I came across this art and met the artist, Louise Harris, at the “Fall into the Arts Festival” in Edina. I was first struck by the three-dimensional aspect of the artwork. I then learned they were made from recycled furnace filters. Talk about creativity and vision!

Can you see the undulating waves of the smaller circles over the larger circles in this piece? I loved both of these pieces when I saw them.

Here’s a sampling of her smaller works. Ms. Harris is producing unique, beautiful and green art; she‘s also donating profits to non-profit organizations around the world. For more information, visit her website:

lhoriginals.com – The artwork of Louise Harris

Edina Fall Into the Arts Festival – Sept 8-9, 2012

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Minneapolis and Saint Paul Home Tour

Real Homes. Real People. Real Ideas.
April 28–29, 2012

This weekend offers an opportunity to take a FREE, self-guided tour of 60 Twin Cities remodeled and/or reinvented homes. See homes projects that were both “on-a-budget” and “blow out”. You can tour examples of remodeled kitchens and baths, room additions, and whole house renovations.

These projects are unique in that they cover a wide range of housing eras. The home tour is also unique in that homeowners, contractors and/or architects are available to discuss the projects with visitors. This is a wonderful way to learn about remodeling, meet contractors and architects, and discover different neighborhoods.

This is the twenty-fifth year of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Home Tour. It all began when some Minneapolis real estate agents and city officials were concerned about suburban flight. They took it upon themselves to promote city living and the home tour was born.

Homes will be open to visitors:

• Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The home tour will take place regardless of weather conditions.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul Home Tour Preview – a video showcasing information and home tour highlights.

Minneapolis Home Tour Map

Saint Paul Home Tour Map

msphometour.com – the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Home Tour website.

Visit HistoricSaintPaul.org for information on: “Historic Homes for Everyday Families” workshop, why preservationists will enjoy the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Home Tour, walking tours of “Storybook” houses with architect Bob Roscoe, and more.

Thinking of buying or selling real estate? Call Kate and Ellen Walsh and we’ll help you make all the right moves.

Ellen Walsh
612.220.3304
emwalsh@cbburnet.com

Kate Walsh
612.220.3309
info@designhouse9.com

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Reinventing Your Home–Architect Review

American Institute of Architects | Minnesota
Reinventing Your Home Event

Wednesday, March 21, 2012
International Market Square, Suite 185
5:30pm–7:30pm

At “Reinventing Your Home,” you’ll have an opportunity to talk to architects about your remodeling project. Five architects will hold a panel discussion to explore how to make a home livable for the long-term. They’ll also take questions from the audience, and judging from last year, will field queries about green building, how to get the most bang for the buck and hiring an architect. Tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door (appetizers included).

For more information and to register: AIA Minnesota website

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Home and Garden Show in Minneapolis

Home and Garden Show

February 29-March 4, 2012
Minneapolis Convention Center

$2 Off Discounted Tickets to the Home and Garden Show

The Home and Garden Show is taking place at month’s end. This is an opportunity to get lots of ideas and advice on these two topics. Hundreds of exhibits and displays will be placed throughout the Minneapolis Convention Center. Show highlights include:

Innovation Avenue

Green Scene

The Ultimate Backyard Lounge

Glorious Feature Gardens

The Idea Home

The Chandelier Fashion Show

Taste on Third Avenue

Shop the Marketplace

The Annual Plant Sale (5pm on Sunday)

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What show would be complete without celebrity guests? Here’s a partial list of celebrities at the show this year:

Chip Wade of HGTV’s Curb Appeal, The Block and Designed to Sell

Mark Brunetz of Style Network’s Clean House

Pat Simpson, nationally recognized home building and remodeling expert

Marjorie Johnson, a national star in the world of baking (and a Twin Cities native)

HOURS:

Wednesday Noon – 9pm
Thursday 10am – 9pm
Friday 10am – 10pm
Saturday 9am – 9pm
Sunday 9am – 6pm

ADMISSION COSTS:

$13.00 adults;
$4 children 6 to 12
5 and under free

More information on the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show

Maps – Minneapolis Convention Center

More information on Gardens

Here’s a link to Entertaining–Green/Eco Tips–Recipes | Tips Trends and Tools for those who can’t make the show in person.

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Home and Patio Show

February 16-19, 2012
St. Paul River Centre

$2 Off Coupon for the Home and Patio Show

If you’re planning to make some changes to your home or gardens this year, here’s an opportunity to get ideas and “how to” information. Hundreds of exhibits and displays will be placed throughout the three levels of the River Centre. Home improvement seminars will be presented by the Home Depot Pros. Topics include:

Do-It-Yourself Tile Installation: Ceramic, Porcelain and Stone

Do-It-Yourself Installing Pre-Finished Laminate and Hardwood Flooring

Do-It-Yourself Light Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Landscape Lighting

Do-It-Yourself Toilet Installation and Repairs

Painting Tips and Techniques

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Looking to spruce up the landscape and garden? The Minnesota State Horticultural Society is sponsoring the garden seminars. Topics include:

Container Gardening for the Balcony, Deck or Patio

Small Space Vegetable Gardening – Jennifer Porwit, Master Gardener

2011: Oh, What a Year! – Bobby Jensen, KARE 11 and The Lawn Ranger

Ornamental Grasses – Susan Oven, Master Gardener

Crafting Cool & Creative Containers – Don Engebretson, The Renegade Gardener

Organic Gardening – Mark Armstead, Linder’s Garden Center and Greenhouse

Master Gardeners will be available on Saturday and Sunday to answer questions. Looking for bulbs? Check out the bulb sale each day.

HOURS:

Thursday Noon – 9 P.M.
Friday Noon – 9 P.M.
Saturday 10 A.M. – 9 P.M.
Sunday 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.

ADMISSION COSTS:

$9.00 adults;
$2.50 children 6 to 12
5 and under free

More information on the Minnesota Home and Patio Show

Directions to the River Centre

The Renegade Gardener

LessLawn.com

More information on Gardens

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LED’s and the Ghostly Tree

Photo of the Day
December 31, 2011

A condominium association recently installed LED flood lights outside the building. I happened to be at the condo this evening after dark when the lights were on. The lights cast a bright, white light onto the tree above, giving it a ghostly look. Perhaps it’s fitting for this last day of the year as we say goodbye to 2011. The shot above is the normal color. The photo below is black and white.

The LED, or light-emitting diode, is supposedly the light bulb of the future. They provide high lumen levels at low wattage. I have friends who have purchased LED holiday light strings for Christmas trees. They tell me they are too bright.

These photos show a very strong light source. Will a dimmer be needed at each fixture to comfortably use these in our homes? How long will it be before the prices become more in line with an incandescent bulb (current pricing for an LED flood light is about $50 a bulb)? I’m interested in seeing them in a kitchen where bright light is desired. They would be good outside the house to clearly see steps and key holes.

LED lights are still in development stage. Read more about the subject here:

LED Lamp – Wikipedia

LED’s benefits aside, my first choice in lighting remains natural sunlight. Nature still does it best.

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It’s a Bright Time

Photos of the Day
December 24, 2011

Is time on your mind today? One of the things I love about this time of year is all the decorations with light. It adds so much to our shorter days. The clock(s) in the photos above are in Chicago along Michigan Avenue. They provide light year round. I took these in July. May your days and nights be merry and bright.

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Photo of the Day

Clouds Over Calhoun

This photo was taken in August of this year. My sister and I were walking back to the car after our fun afternoon at the Uptown Art Fair.

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Japanese Prints Exhibit

Edo Pop: The Graphic Impact of Japanese Prints

October 30, 2011–January 8, 2012

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is opening a new exhibit featuring Japanese art. My mother has Japanese art pieces in her home and I have developed both a strong interest and appreciation for this style.

The MIA website states: “The exhibition showcases 160 of the MIA’s best prints by the genre’s greatest artists, including Harunobu, Kiyonaga, Utamaro, Shunsho, Sharaku, Toyokuni, Hokusai, and Hiroshige. With their crisp outlines, unmodulated colors, and surprising vantage points, the images are as fresh and captivating as when they were produced.” This is sure to be a wonderful exhibit.

Non-members of the museum will be charged admission. If you’re not a member, you can take advantage of a limited time offer to purchase a ticket for $1:

Google Offers: Edo Pop: The Graphic Impact of Japanese Prints

www.artsmia.org

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The Science of Carving Pumpkins

Carve First, Scoop Later

Pumpkins carved to celebrate an October birthday

It’s pumpkin carving time. Most of us have carved pumpkins. I’ve always scooped first, then carved. Here’s an interesting video on why to reverse these actions. Happy carving!

http://www.sciencefriday.com/embed/video/10412.swf

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 See this gallery for ideas:  Custom Carving Gallery of Maniac Pumpkin Carvers

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Architectural Antiques Sale

Vintage Goods at 40% Off

Hand Hammered Iron Lantern

If you’re a fan of architecture and antiques, here’s a sale to check out this weekend. Explore a vast array of unique and desirable architectural pieces. These rescued items are the real thing, not reproductions. Categories include lighting, doors, windows, hardware, mantels and cabinets, ecclesiastical, and iron and stone items for both home and garden.

Original 1930's School Room Clock.

Glass Knobs

1904 Iron Exterior Door

Architectural Antiques has been offering their salvaged, antique decor for over thirty years. They’ve been written about and featured in most of the prominent interior design, antiques and restoration magazines. Stop in and have a look. And, yes, that’s 40% off everything this weekend.

Sale Dates and Times
Friday, September 30th: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 1st: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 2nd: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Architectural Antiques
1330 NE Quincy Street
Minneapolis
612-332-8344

Map for Architectural Antiques

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Sunnyside Gardens Offers Labor Day Savings

Free 6″ potted mum with the purchase of a 12″ potted patio mum.
Now through Labor Day.

Mum plants are available in a variety of colors, are easy to care for and survive cooler temps well. They’re perfect for increasing the curb appeal of your home at this time of year. Not selling? Enjoy their welcoming cheer at your front door as our days grow shorter.

Sunnyside Gardens
3723 West 44th St
Minneapolis MN 55410

Sunnyside Gardens Website

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I Love a Fountain

Cool View for a Hot Day
July 20, 2011

Cool waters run at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park in Chicago

I recently returned from a trip to Chicago. I’ve always loved Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. It’s one of the largest fountains in the world. It’s another heat wave in the Midwest. Enjoy this visual/virtual relief.
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A short video of this beautiful fountain:

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Buckingham Fountain-Behind the Scenes

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Twin Cities Summer Fireworks

ooh! aah! ooh!

Image via Wikipedia

It’s the 4th of July weekend.
Here’s a guide to fireworks across the Twin Cities
this weekend and throughout the summer.

Summer Fireworks Guide

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Silvery Night at the Lake

Photo of the Day
June 26, 2011

Lake Ann Park in Chanhassen, MN

Beautiful Lake Ann is a quiet, non-motorized lake
offering solitude, clean water, and 100% undeveloped shores.

Lake Ann Park in Chanhassen, MN

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