nest egg

The view from this nest is pure bliss. Can you see the Hudson River in the distance?

Truly, this grand maison deserves a pve design illustration. Don't you agree?

This Sunny spot ( home of Washington Irving) is literally in my back yard, just a short skip, hop and a flight there. It is a favorite spot to fly to. I had the pleasure of a visit with a fellow Kentuckian today sharing some southern hospitality in New York.

I live near the Hudson River in New York. Well not on the water, but nearby where many incredible historic homes are situated. I like to refer to them as "big nest eggs." One of my favorite spots in the world is "Kykuit" - the dutch translation means "bird's eye view.

The gardens, the fountains, the art, the shrubbery are stunning.

I wonder if places like this will exist or are they a thing of the past?

The above historical homes are open to the public to visit.

All photos are property of pve design, Historic Hudson Valley, Kykuit, Sunnyside

shifty thrifty

Shifting habits to be thrifty along with saving the planet are pretty nifty in my book. Small shifts, that is all it takes. Are you noticing that you are designing a better life, by shifting your habits? Well, if not, perhaps this is the book for you? Thanks to Art House Design, she spotted this book and thought of me. Thank-you.

What little shifts or good habits are saving you and the planet? It's ok, if you are a total spend-thrift? All I ask is that you be responsible for your habit in the form of a nifty comment.

small change

Saving small change or the ability to be consistent with a small change on a regular basis is key to setting up not only good habits but to produce results. Setting up a system in order to see results by focusing on small changes in our behavior.

It is so crucial to teaching wee ones the importance of saving. Do you save change or have a "piggy bank?" A weekly trek to the bank with "small change" can add up over time. How many of you involve a wee one around you in the art of saving for a rainy day? Were you taught that pennies make dollars or are you waiting for pennies from heaven?

Image -flickr