Month: June 2022

Shay Holland On The Road To HGTV, DIY And Interior Design Trends

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT

Whether you watched Shay Holland show off her design chops on HGTV’s Unfinished Business or you haven’t heard of her yet— she is a force to be reckoned with. While she might be petite in stature, the interior designer has a big personality and lots of talent. Smart and scrappy, unlike some HGTV stars, she didn’t get her start flipping houses or as a content creator on social media. Rather, she developed a love for design from alongside her father.

While a second season of the show has yet to be announced, Holland has moved on to pitching her own ideas and working on her chic tiny house in Los Angeles. I recently spoke with her about the road to HGTV, life behind the scenes while filming, and what style means to her.

Amanda Lauren: When did you first become interested in interior design?

Shay Holland: From a young age, I spent countless hours in my dad’s basement workroom learning to sand, stain and restore antiques and barn sale finds to mix in with pieces he’d bring back from his tours of duty. We were a military family that moved frequently so it didn’t make sense to spend a ton of money decorating temporary housing. I loved working with my hands and the idea of exploring the world from your living room.

Later, I honed my skills in building houses with Habitat for Humanity, managing a design showroom, and taking night classes to earn my contractor’s license.

Lauren: What was it like working with your father?

Holland: My dad had this incredible gift of turning mundane tasks into adventures— even raking leaves or washing the car was magical. When he was deep in thought, he’d have full-on conversations with

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Best 4th of July Home Sales: $3 West Elm Deals & 70% Off Pottery Barn – E! Online

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
FURNITURE

We independently selected these products because we love them, and we hope you do too at these prices. Shop with E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Prices are accurate as of publish time. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. 

If you’ve been wanting to update your home for summer, 4th of July weekend is one of the best times of the year to shop anything and everything home. In fact, several big brands and retailers are having major clearance sales for the holiday, you’re sure to find a great deal on something you love. Wondering which home and furniture sales are worth shopping this 4th of July? We’ve got you covered. 

One sale you definitely don’t want to miss is Pottery Barn’s Warehouse Sale, which has discounts up to 70% off thousands of items. There are outdoor furniture deals with $1,000 savings, as well as cocktail glasses that are on sale for as low as $2. In addition to that, Pottery Barn Teen also has warehouse clearance deals where beddings, furniture, lounge chairs and more are up to 70% off. You don’t want to pass those deals up!

Another big 4th of July home sale that’s definitely worth shopping is West Elm’s Warehouse Sale where everything included is up to 70% off. If you’re looking for budget-friendly pieces, they even have a section full of under $20 deals you’ll want to check out ASAP.

We’ve rounded up some of the best 4th of July home sales for 2022. Check those out below.

 

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Garden Ideas for Small Spaces

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
GARDEN

Running the length of my driveway is a slender strip of lawn, barely three feet wide. Blessed with full sun, the grass and weeds grow fast, and because the space is so narrow and blocked in by my neighbor’s fence, it’s miserable to mow. So, two years ago, I lined up a row of raised beds along it and turned the unremarkable plot into a luscious garden where this year I am growing tomatoes, eggplant, Swiss chard, pole beans and cucumbers.

Vegetable gardens are hardy things, and do not need nearly as much space as even what I reclaimed. Steps, a stoop, a balcony, a terrace, a roof deck or even a windowsill will do. With a few containers, some good soil and plenty of sunlight, a garden can grow almost anywhere.

“You can go small, small, small,” said Jessica Walliser, a founder of SavvyGardening.com and the author of “Container Gardening Complete: ​​Creative Projects for Growing Vegetables and Flowers in Small Spaces.” “That is one of the most amazing things about modern vegetable gardening.”

With summer fast approaching, now is the time to try out your green thumb on a tiny scale. Here are some tips on how to do it.

Ideally, you want to find a spot that gets six to eight hours of sunlight a day. You can grow in shady spots, but the options will be limited. Leafy greens, herbs and some varieties of flowers, like impatiens and begonias, do well in the shade. But if you want to grow an array of flowers or edibles like tomatoes, cucumbers or strawberries, you’re going to need sun, and lots of it. (Morning light will be kinder to your crop than hot afternoon light, so keep that in mind, too.)

If you plan

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19 Great Savings Events To Shop This Week

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
FURNITURE

July 4 weekend is so close that you can practically hear the crackling fireworks already. And as it approaches, there are tons of great 4th of July furniture sales for you to take advantage of. Whether you’re looking to upgrade the backyard with some new patio furniture or add a new sleeper sofa to your living room, the next few days are a great time to do so.

Since many 4th of July furniture sales have already begun, you can get your shop on early and fully enjoy the long weekend. To help you uncover the best deals, we’re rounded up the best savings events that are already live, as well as some specific markdowns worth checking out.

The Best 4th Of July Furniture Sales Happening Now

forbes.comWayfair Coupons | 70% Off In June 2022 | Forbes

Wayfair: The e-tailer started its 4th of July sale a little early—and its deals are not to be missed. Among the markdowns, you’ll find up to 55% off outdoor furniture, up to 50% off bedroom furniture and office furniture starting at $99.

Apt2B: Take 15% all orders, 20% off orders of $2,999 or more, 25% off orders of $3,999 or more and 30% off orders of $5,499 or more at Apt2B now through Independence Day.

Floyd: Now through July 5, Floyd’s offering 15% off everything on its site.

Industry West: Want to score 20% off your Industry West order? Simply enter code JULY4 at checkout.

Overstock: Not only is Overstock offering up to 70% off thousands of items, but you’ll also get free shipping on all orders.

Castlery: Enjoy up to 30% off select sofas,

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Peloton Instructor Jess King Shares Her Pregnancy Journey

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME DECOR

Peloton Instructor Jess King's pregnancy
John Shaughnessy / Courtesy of Jess King

When my partner, Sophia, and I first embarked on this adventure in March 2021, we didn’t realize exactly how difficult this process might be. We didn’t even really have the intention of getting pregnant immediately; we really just wanted to understand both of our fertility and be proactive about planning and understanding our bodies.

For me, it started with an egg retrieval. With the eggs that we (hopefully) got from the process, we planned to do a cycle of in vitro fertilization (aka IVF) or freeze my eggs. But the first retrieval was unsuccessful, so we did another one. This time, thankfully, it yielded three eggs — they weren’t perfect, but we decided to fertilize them and freeze them as embryos anyway, just in case. Next, I decided to see what my body would do with intrauterine insemination (IUI), a fertility treatment that involves inserting sperm directly into a person’s womb. We did the first round of IUI, but it was unsuccessful. So we did another IUI, but it was also unsuccessful.

By then, it was August or September, and I was starting to feel discouraged. A friend of mine recommended getting a saline ultrasound to look at my uterus, since it can help detect polyps, which are pretty common. (Uterine or endometrial polyps are growths, usually benign, that attach to the inner wall of the uterus, and they can impact fertility.) We did one, and my doctor found something that may or may not have been a polyp. So we decided to go through with endometrial scratching, a procedure where they essentially scrape the inside of the uterus. The thought is that this should make the inside of the uterus super sticky — and my doctors said that, a lot

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7 Ways Your House Could Become a Money Pit, According to Experts

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT

Anthony Carrino, VP of design at Welcome Homes and star of HGTV’s “Kitchen Cousins,” had a client in Jersey City who wanted a full-height basement with 8-foot ceilings. Carrino informed the client that there were a lot of unknowns that could make it get expensive fast.

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How deep were the foundation walls? How would they underpin the structure? Where was the bedrock?

“Still, he wanted 8-foot ceilings,” Carrino said.

A few days into digging, they hit a massive blue stone rock that was so hard it bent a jackhammer bit into a J shape. Carrino pleaded with the client to leave it at seven feet, but the client wouldn’t budge.

“A month and a half later, we got him his 8-foot ceilings — to the tune of about a $30,000 change order,” Carrino said.

The story illustrates just how quickly home renovation costs can soar and timelines can draw out when hidden flaws and unforeseen variables start piling up.

POLL: Do You Have a Side Gig or Other Hustle?

GOBankingRates asked the experts which projects are most likely to turn into money pits and the general rules homeowners should follow to avoid falling into them.

This is what they said.

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Home, Beauty, and Fashion Up to 65% Off

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
FURNITURE

Savvy shoppers know that the very best deals are often found at outlet stores. But since outlets typically don’t have e-commerce sites, shoppers must trek to an in-person storefront to secure those coveted double-digit discounts. Well, we just discovered an exciting secret: Amazon has a secret virtual overstock outlet, and it is filled with tons of amazing deals on home decor, beauty products, footwear like walking shoes and supportive sandals, and more. At last, you can score major savings from the comfort of your home without rifling through countless discount bins.

Shop the Amazon Outlet

“Bargain shopping can be a lot of fun, and we’ve got it right here, 24-7 in our Outlet Store,” Amazon’s Overstock page reads. “Hunting for a great deal on clearance products and overstocks usually means going to a mall and hitting a lot of stores. At Amazon, we’ve gathered all our markdowns, closeouts, and overstock deals in one place, so you can find just what you want with just a little online shopping.”

Organized by categories, Amazon’s online outlet makes it easy to sort through their massive amounts of inventory. We were so excited to find a great selection of supportive walking shoes and walking sandals within the Shoes & Bags section (there’s lots of luggage in there, too).

Amazon Overstock Walking Shoe Deals

YOLYKEY Lightweight Memory Foam Running Shoes

YOLYKEY Lightweight Memory Foam Running Shoes

YOLYKEY
amazon.com

$29.99

Ryka Women's Sky Walking Shoe

Ryka Women’s Sky Walking Shoe

Reebok Classic Renaissance Sneaker

Reebok Classic Renaissance Sneaker

Salomon Sonic 4 Balance W Running Shoes

Salomon Sonic 4 Balance W Running Shoes

Amazon Overstock Walking Sandal Deals

FunkyMonkey Arch Support Flip Flops

FunkyMonkey Arch Support Flip Flops

Open Toe Ankle Strap Wedge Sandals with Cork Footbed

Open Toe Ankle Strap Wedge Sandals with Cork Footbed

Ranberone Yoga Mat Flip Flops

Ranberone Yoga Mat Flip Flops

Alicegana Air Cushion Sandals with Arch Support

Alicegana Air Cushion Sandals with Arch Support

The Home & Furniture outlet and Overstock Deals section are filled with hundreds of discounted home products that run the gamut from soap

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Here’s why you need to go to the East Coast Radio House & Garden show!

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
GARDEN

It has been one of the most highly-anticipated events of the year – and it has not disappointed!

The East Coast Radio House & Garden show 2022 has been absolutely exciting, so make sure to head on over before the end of the popular event!

There are smiles on everyone’s faces, excitement is in the year and we can truly feel the festive #DurbanVibes. 

One of the many highlights of the East Coast Radio House & Garden Show is the amazing design and décor inspiration. 

This year, Discover Design has seen many local talents like Notation Designs and Nunch’I Design showcasing their best work and leaving you with plenty ideas and inspiration to take and apply to your home.

The exhibition has also been an amazing opportunity to watch brands come alive and creatively express themselves.

If you’re looking for some inspiration then this is the only place to be!

If you didn’t know, here’s what you can expect an the East Coast Radio House & Garden show 2022.

Foodie Fair 

Make your way through a firm favourite, the Foodie Fair, where you will find an array of delicious local eats and drinks. Grab a bite or sit and relax to experience live music from emerging local artists. The East Coast Radio House & Garden Show now on at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 24 June – 3 July 2022. Book your tickets now on housegardenshow.co.za 

Home Grown Design Fair

The Home Grown Design Fair, now based within the main show hall, brings together local makers, creators, crafters and designers who will showcase and sell their latest products. 

Discover Durban Design

KZN’s biggest home, garden and lifestyle expo prides itself on being able to showcase and support local businesses and design talent. This year is no exception with the Discover

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Governor general David Hurley apologises for video praising builder who renovated his home | Canberra

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME IMPROVEMENT

Australia’s governor general, David Hurley, has apologised for a decision made “on the spur of a happy moment” to pose for a photo with and provide a testimonial for a builder who completed his home renovation, which was later used in the company’s advertising material on its website and social media.

Hurley said he had received no benefit for his comments or the photo, had never intended them to be used in commercial advertising and had not made reference to his position as the Queen’s representative.

hurley-spruiks-building-company-responsible-for-his-renovations/news-story/11d4f5b009acf59edf33061a7e3b244d” data-link-name=”in body link”News.com.au reported on Tuesday that Hurley had been quoted in testimonials on the social media pages and website of the luxury builder Homes by Howe, which carried out renovations to the governor general’s private home.

“We’re really delighted with the outcome and end product,” the governor general said in a one-minute testimonial video which also features his wife, Linda.

After a backlash upon the news report’s publication, and questions reportedly being raised by the Albanese government, Hurley issued a statement of apology on Wednesday morning.

“I made a mistake by agreeing, on the spur of a happy moment, to express my appreciation for the builder in a video and photos,” he said. “I apologise for my mistake.

“I received no benefit of any kind for my participation. My words were not intended to be used in direct commercial advertising and reference to my appointment was not to be made. Nevertheless, I should have checked that my guidance was accurately followed.”

Hurley said he had asked the builder to remove all material related to his comments. A page on the company’s website which formerly carried quotes attributed to Hurley has been altered, with references to the governor general removed.

A Homes by Howe Facebook post showing work under way
A Homes by Howe Facebook post showing work under way
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Castro nursery and garden shop Hortica set to close after nearly 30

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
GARDEN

After nearly 30 years in the Castro, full-service nursery and garden shop Hortica (566 Castro St.) has announced it will permanently close.

Owner David Gray confirmed the news to Hoodline. Gray said the shop would likely close in early July.

Until then, customers can take advantage of 20-50% store-wide sales.

“The store hasn’t been profitable for a few years,” said Gray about the store’s closure.


Inside Hortica at 566 Castro St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

Gray’s time at the Hortica goes back to its founding in 1994, when he started as an employee. Then, in 2004, he purchased the shop and has run it ever since.

Hortica specialized in indoor and outdoor plants with a surprisingly large nursery — over 240 flats of flowers, seasonal plants, fruit trees, bamboo, and vines — located in the back. Throughout the years, Gray gave customers advice and ideas for Castro residents’ gardening needs no matter the season.

Gray emphasized that his landlord has been understanding. “My landlord has been very forbearing,” said Gray. “She hasn’t forgiven the rent, she’s been forbearing. She’s out of patience, I’m out of patience.”

Public records indicate the approximately 2,200-square-foot building, which also houses Brand X Antiques (570 Castro), last sold in April 2019 for $2.46 million.


Tommy’s Plants at 566 Castro St. (1983). | Photo: Max Kirkeberg/SFSU

 

According to Gray, the storefront has been a nursery for 52 years.

Back in 1970, the nursery was known as Tommy’s Plants, owned by Tommy Zalewski. “Tommy had the store until he died in 1985,” said Gray. “He was one of the first people to die of AIDS.”

According to an archived Bay Area Reporter obituary, Zalewski died on September 24, 1985.

After Tommy’s Plants, Gray said the storefront became JDG Gardens. Two of the owners from JDG then

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