AOT: Consulting Architects and Builders

Okay, confession time - one of my dream jobs would be to consult for architects and builders on what layouts do and do not make sense.  So, if any of you out there need a sounding board, my fee is reasonable!  I'd love to help!  Just message me (email in the about page).

I initially went to school for architecture because I wanted to build homes.  Genuinely.  But I realized the amount of schooling and the income proposed for new architects and what I wanted out of my life didn't match (worked out too, because I graduated during the 2007/8 recession and it would have been a nightmare).

Still, I have loved homes and we've built a semi custom house and redone two other place.  I find it so fun.  And I'm good at it.  So much so that my standards are super high and every time we talk through a house (because we enjoy spending our weekends touring open houses to see what's out there, what's new, what's trending, and what people are doing) all I do is critique.  Most of the time it starts with "What they should have done is...."  This is for anything from $300K to $2M. There's always something the builder or renovator did that makes no sense.  A little extra though or a twinge extra cash to do something more appropriately would have made all the difference.

So, who knows?  Maybe someone wants a little extra help, and I can be that for them!  But I do think builders, architects, and renovators need to be more thoughtful about how folks actually use spaces and not just what may or may not fit on paper.

Now, to go look at some more open houses!

LMOH: Sample reading of What Ein Prefers

It's official!  After an ask from a reader to have a sample of the story on YouTube so she could show folks who have difficulty reading but who would enjoy the story, I have posted the first 1/3 of the book on YouTube for your introduction and enjoyment!

Enjoy!  And if you love it, grab a copy through Amazon or Etsy (www.lastbitepublishing.com) has the links!  Remember, a portion of proceeds go to local animal rescues.

 

LMOH: Coffee

I know lots of people wake up to coffee.  Sometimes it's a need.  Sometimes it's a desire.  Sometimes it's both.  Regardless of the driver, there is something magical about the smell of coffee and the taste of it, bursting with rich and bitter flavor on your tongue all at the same time.

Over the past year I've actually gotten away from caffeine and come to find that I truly love coffee for coffee's sake, and usually black.  Rarely do I do lattes or cappuccinos anymore, but they can have a special place in my day when I need something a little more filling.  But at home, it's Kcups during the week (or drip if I'm feeling up to it) and Nespresso on weekends.  One of our friends has a machine to make your own espresso, and I think that's super special!  It was fun when we visited, but I don't have the patience or the time to clean up after it.  So Nespresso it is!  Still, pushing that button, hearing it brew, smelling it as it falls, and then finally taking the warm cup in my hands....mmmm...nothing says a happy morning like a fresh cup of coffee.

Enjoy!