While away on a long ski weekend in Vermont I visited Simon Pearce Glass in Quechee VT. This is a three time per year (minimum) ritual for me. I can't stay away!! Although Simon Pearce is best known for simple, beautiful glassware they also sell handcrafted pottery, cutlery, linens, furniture and accessories. In addition to the fabulous products it is a great destination if visiting the area as they have a phenomenal restaurant overlooking an incredible waterfall. The five star dining experience will only delay the inevitable shopping extravaganza. If that weren't enough the lower level of the Quechee facility offers the rare opportunity for children of all ages to watch and interact with artisans that hand blow each piece of glassware (which can not be called crystal for the lack of lead) and turn mounds of clay into gorgeous pitchers, bowls and vases.

"Green" design is becoming more and more a requirement for many clients. Not only does Simon Pearce deliver a green product but they manufacture those products without the typical expense to the environment. In fact the Ottauquechee River provides hydroelectric power for the glass furnaces as well as the electricity for the entire facility. The restaurant supports the local farmers and breweries. It is company policy that as much as possible Simon Pearce does business locally. Very much like Ralph Lauren, Simon Pearce sells a "Lifestyle". What I love about this company is that from the owners to the waiters (ask for Alan) live the lifestyle.

Simon Pearce is offering a great Mothers Day Promotion. Buy a vase as a gift and get one free for yourself. Those are my favorite kind of promotions!! Better yet take your mom away for the weekend and pop in at Simon Pearce, have lunch and let her pick out her own vase. If you do not plan on being in Vermont anytime soon, you can check out the entire collection at http://www.simonpearce.com/.

Newsday featured a transformation in my home in their li makeover article today Friday, March 19. There are several keys to this successful end result. The first piece of the puzzle is the use of feng shui principles. Many people believe that when implementing feng shui you need to use the principles literally. For example in this situation the front foyer represents the front center section of the bagua. The color for this are is black. That does not mean you need to paint your walls black. The earth element that should be represented is water. That does not mean you need a fountain in the middle of the foyer. I used recycled black wood frames on the three old fashion prints depicting the Brightwaters Canal. These three pieces are a nod to both the color black and the water feature. I used an enormous crystal chandelier to also represent the water feature. The key is to use these elements with intent. Feng Shui is a great way to ensure health and well being in your space.

Another key to the makeover was affordability. Ken Barrone of Spotless Contracting helped me design applied, raised panel molding for the space. Using applied verses actual raised panel molding saved thousands of dollars in materials and labor making the redesign significantly more affordable. The creativity displayed on the ceiling to floor molding plan is a testament to a successful brainstorming session between Designer and Master Carpenter.

For more information pick up Newsday today. If you miss the article in the paper check back in a few days to my website www.kellydall.com and go to the News page, click on the link to Newsday's website where you will see the original article, several new pictures as well as new information, techniques, tips and sources.