30 Things to be Grateful for - 30

Being able to complete this list.  It creates an appreciation for the small moments in life.

30 Things to be Grateful for - 29

Sputnik lights.

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30 Things to be Grateful for - 28

We got a condo!  Pictures and fun projects to come. :)

30 Things to be Grateful for - 27

Target sales affordable organic food.    

30 Things to be Grateful for - 26

The new chilis album.

30 Things to be Grateful for - 25

Live streaming music.

Where would I be without Pandora, Google Play and Spotify?

30 Things to be Grateful for - 24

Street art.

I love the pianos at 16th Street Mall because they are visual and interactive art.

30 Thing to be Grateful for - 23

Paid parking.

Integrating Nature

I have this obsession with integrating nature into designs.  Often times it is not a theme I get to work with but, it doesn't stop my curious mind from exploring.  Just imagine cities like Denver (current home), going green by adding garden roof tops or tiers to the side of their skyscrapers much like the images below.

Although these ideas are probably in the distant future I believe it would make a great global impact to focus more on how we live as one with our surrounding environments.

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Maybe some day, instead of choosing the perfectly manicured lawn we start allowing native plants to be showcased.  We will build around trees instead of tearing them down and replanting, just to fit them into our ideal design.  In areas of low flood risk we will build underground dwellings allowing the roof tops to be the natural landscape.

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But, for now, below is some practical inspiration to get closer to nature in your own home.

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30 Things to be Grateful for - 22

Food trucks at Civic Center Park.

30 Things to be Grateful for - 21

Walks at lunch.

30 Things to be Grateful for - 20

Goals.

From setting them up to knocking them down, or creating new ones, I would loose all desire if I didn't use them.  Over time they will change and evolve but, they keep me going.

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30 Things to be Grateful for - 19

Sunrises.

30 Things to be Grateful for - 18

Coconut oil.

I use it for everything.  Replace it with your usually oil when you make popcorn.  You will love it!

It's great for sugar scrubs and hair masks too.

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30 Things to be Grateful for - 17

All my other family members that I have left out so far.

My brothers.

My Grandparents.

And so many, many more.

30 Things to be Grateful for - 16

Stepping out of my comfort zone.

I've wanted to write a blog for sometime now but, I wasn't sure if anyone would want to hear my design advice or that I would stay inspired.

As of right now I haven't ran out of ideas so it is a good start.

Rustic Beauty

There is something beautiful about a time worn piece or a room that keeps its exposed brick walls.  I applaud the homeowner that takes the time to age their new home with grayed woods and eclectic furnishings.  When something has been around a while it carries untold stories with it.  Pottery that has handmade imperfections.  Antique chests with tongue and groove drawers.  Something that either has or appears to have it's own history.  There is something magical about that.

I encourage you to skip the corporate store bought items for unique furnishings at flea markets, consignment stores, thrift stores, craigslist, Ebay and garage sales.  Not only is it economical, while creating character for your home, but you are helping the environment by adding an old piece into the mix.    
 

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30 Things to be Grateful for - 15

Sharks.  Weird but, I have found them fascinating since I was a child.

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30 Things to be Grateful for - 14

Sand between your toes.

Hopefully, this will be happening again soon!

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