A Trip to Texas Wine Country: http://ping.fm/2epvN

A Trip to Texas Wine Country

I had the pleasure of joining one of my best friends and clients, Lisa Gaynor, to celebrate her birthday. We took a tour of three Texas Wineries in the Hill Country in a cute restored VW Bus. A local lady came up with the great idea of starting a business that does wine tours in this unique bus instead of a limo like many of the other local businesses.
I just love everything about wineries and it was a girl’s afternoon out in every sense of the word. We had an amazing time with laughter and great company.
It is amazing how many wineries are in our area and most of them produce bottles of award winning wine. I left that day with two bottles from Driftwood Estates (2007 Merlot and their Lone Star Cabernet) and from Texas Hills Vineyard (2007 Kick Butt Cab and 2005 Syrah).
Wine, dine and design!

Color Changing Glass Tiles: http://ping.fm/LFnKm

Color Changing Glass Tiles

This glass product is unique due to its ability to change color and or image through any kind of change in temperature. Examples are human touch, a change in ambient temperature, warm/cold water; anywhere a heat or cold source is present. In addition, it can be designed in any size/thickness of glass, color/colors, and multiple activation temperatures. The base color can also be color matched to virtually any color imaginable.

Color-changing dyes and additives have been offered in paper, plastic and textiles for some time, but this product takes the idea into a new area: glass tiles. Offered in a range of colors and sensitivities, the tiles change color based on ambient temperature, body temperature or water temperature – whatever they’re touching.

The textured glass surface layer protects and highlights the color-change film on the tile. The base color of the tile can match almost any color, and the temperature change point can be fit to the user’s environment and requirements. The dynamic color change begins at the selected activation temperature and shimmers through three phases, one with each 6 – 10° rise in temperature. Once the temperature peak is passed, the base color returns and remains the same until the temperature drops.

The tiles come in six standard lines; each is a different glass texture, and each offers the changing display in different color moods and ranges, all matched by complementary decos and liners. In bath/shower rooms and other areas, the tiles could form beautiful water temperature safety gauges or be a visual room temperature marker. But this technology has also been used in art pieces that transform with temperature changes: In one, a cityscape changes from a day to a night scene, complete with lights. The tiles can be used on floors, walls and counters — and, because they use glass that is 20 – 80% recycled, they’re a green product.

Furniture Seminar September 16th: http://ping.fm/NDAIH

Looking Beyond Labels: What insiders know about selecting the best in-home furnishings

Whether you reside in a dream home with a lake view or have just purchased your first place, furnishing a home is a significant investment. Today's funriture industry is more complex than ever, making it difficult for many consumers to find the best quality and value for their investment. Join us to learn insider secrets to help you shop with confidence!

Topics Include:

• Fact or Fiction? - A look at common furniture myths
• Furniture Anatomy 101- How to determine if it is built to last.
• What's in a name? - Does a well-known name insure a better choice?
• Price Versus Value - If you pay more, do you get better quality?
• Oops...life happened - Crafty ways to correct furniture mishaps
• Reduce/Reuse/Rethink (Going Green Beautifully)

Register Now!

Looking Beyond Labels: What insiders know about selecting the best in-home furnishings will be held on Thursday September 16, 2010 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Design It With Consignment Showroom located at 4211 South Lamar Suite A-23 Austin, TX 78704

Wine and Cheese refreshments will be served.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Lisa Gaynor, Proprietor

Design It With Consignment

Lisa Gaynor is the creator and owner of Design It With Consignment, Austin's most elegant furniture consignment showroom; featuring flawless pre-owned furnishings, antiques, and locally-created fine art and accessories.

Fine furniture has been a lifelong passion, leading her to design, build and refurbish many pieces for herself and her friends over the years. These skills have enabled her to maintain the highest standards for quality in her showroom.

Since 2005 Design It With Consignment has won accolades from loyal customers, small business groups, and local and national press. The shop has received "Highly Recommended" honors from Citysearch, and was called "One of the 119 best bargains in Austin" by Austin Monthly Magazine. Additional features have appeared in Austinwoman Magazine, Austin American-Statesman, and the West Austin News. In the spring of 2010, Lisa's story about the creation of her business was featured on CNN as part of their series, "Building Up America".

Her shop actively contributes to local charities such as Habitat for Humanity the Lifeworks Design Challenge, Dell Children's Hospital, and many other school and community service projects.

A sought-after, energetic, and humorous speaker, Lisa has given workshops for the National Association of Resale professionals, Austin Creative Arts Society, as well as many local business and community organizations.

Register Now!

All-natural tips for keeping your wood furniture looking like new: http://ping.fm/H7CZ1