(McKeown 2008). The goal of innovation is positive change, to make someone or something better. (Definition found in Wikipedia)

That is my new word for the New Year: Innovation.

There are several ways to apply innovation—whether it is a new direction of focus for a company, relationships, or our homes. I think it was brilliant that even in Christopher Lowell’s Blog he referred to the word “reinvention.” How and what will you reinvent this year? Read the definition above again: ” This is a process (distinction) that is typically made between invention, an idea made manifest, and innovation, ideas applied successfully.” WOW!!! Chris leaves us pondering the thought . . . what do we plan on doing with it? I don’t know about you, but I find myself with an incredible and inspiring new challenges for “2009″. Can someone pass me a paint brush?

The post The Term Innovation appeared first on Yasharians.

As I anticipate the arrival of beautiful spring, I also try to think of ways to embrace it when it gets here. Living in New England, we have to take advantage of the 4 or 5 months of the year that we can enjoy our gardens and yards. I am dreaming of the days when my family and I can just relax, picnic, and play.

With the reality of spring’s arrival also comes a lot of prep work before the “enjoying” part comes. So, I have decided to get a head start. I am prioritizing now my list for the projects that will need to be done to make the most out of my warm days ahead. Check out the following website for a few tips from Margaret that I found helpful and interesting.

http://awaytogarden.com/3-things-to-do-before-winters-over

Till we meet again in spring!

The post Spring where are you? appeared first on Yasharians.

Consider the following ideas when making your paint color selection:

• Understand the principles behind color schemes. http://www.webexhibits.org/colorart/color.html
• Look at things and places that excite you and draw out your inspiration that can come nature to your favorite vacation spot. . .the ideas are endless.
• Consider colors that you would find in YOUR wardrobe. Most people purchase clothes because they like them and look good in them. Your selection of paint colors should be made with the same idea in mind.
• Use the Color Wheel. Further on in this guide there is an entire section on the color wheel. It is a valuable tool when selecting the colors for your project. Here is a link that shows you how to use the color wheel properly. http://www.articlesbase.com/videos/5min/78320842

The right paint selection can leave your signature all over your home. So jump in and start painting. Good luck!

The post Painting That Makes a Difference appeared first on Yasharians.

1. Add style to your yard by installing a brick pond or bird bath.
2. Add a beautiful flower bed along the walkway, around your deck, or around the patio. What a warm welcome to spring.
3. Consider adding a great exterior door to the front of the house, it will be sure to add flair and personality to your home.
4. Place hanging baskets of cascading flowers around your porch.
5. Install fabulous lights to transform your property at night, turning trees, buildings and other landscape features into dramatic focal points.
6. Have an elegant Pergola built so that you can add some luxury to your yard.
7. Lets make your grass as beautiful as possible treat it to some Grass Seed and Lawn Fertilizer
8. Consider resealing your drive way.
9. Make a small brick pavers patio in your back yard.

I have to prioritize the things that I wanted done yesterday!

The post 10 Tips for Spring! appeared first on Yasharians.

One mistake we often make when creating a “to do” list is to over achieve. We cram it full of everything we can think of and then are too overwhelmed to begin. The answer? Start out with realistic goals. Begin your task with something basic and then work on it step-by-step.

For example, let’s start with paint. You can refresh a whole room with new paint, whether you hire a painter or do it yourself. This is a home improvement item that is relatively inexpensive, and one that can give you a whole new passion for that forgotten room in your home. But instead of just rushing off to paint and check it off your to-do list, here are a few tips that can help you turn this task into a project that you can really get passionate about.

Select the room that you want to improve or change.

• List 5 ways that room is being used currently.
• List the ways that you would like that room to be used in the future (if different from above).
• Think of the top 5 ways you love to spend your time.

After making your lists, go a bit deeper and think about how this room can be turned into something special, where

• The color makes sense and matches the needs and uses of the room. (Reading room, play room, etc.)
• There is one new and exciting detail to incorporate into the room. (Consider adding a different color to a corner for reading, sipping coffee, story time, doing puzzles, or your hobby for that room, etc.)
• You select a color that you associate with one of the ways you love to spend your time. (At the ocean, etc.)

What you are doing is taking a simple task, personalizing it, and turning it into something about which you can be passionate!

Signing Off – Anna Yasharian

The post New Years Quickly Underway appeared first on Yasharians.