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Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!
Dear Reader,
A lot has been going on lately! On my remodeling, the exterior is finally shaping up and really looking inviting; landscaping is next. My interiors are still in progress with selected upholstery on order from Charles Stewart Company, and a fabulous Moroccan style day bed due from West Elm. I've got blinds on order and hoping for an installation by mid-September. I expect to move the rest of everything also by mid-month, and really get settled. This has been longer than any other move, and much more chaotic and stressful.
Bellsouth and Comcast both held my technology hostage last week, AGAIN. I am still ironing out kinks. It seems ironic that the more means to communicate there are, the more difficult it is to get it all working well and in a timely fashion. Sometimes I miss the good old days and the simplicity of a land line and snail mail...
The big news is that my new website merge of Linea Interior Design and Melissa Galt is ready to launch. So check out the link here, and look below for the story behind what I've just changed and why! I think you'll like it and realize the benefit.
Don't miss the Atlanta Home Show on September 1; I am speaking on Great Design!
And check out my Blog, lots of random thoughts, entertaining ramblings, and life comments.
Visit the blog.
Live well and beautifully,
MG
Life and Career Makeover: MINE!
Please allow me this month only to depart from my usual jam packed article on room makeovers, house remodeling, and the best of interior design advice to explain the changes I have made and the reasons for it all. Ultimately it is to benefit you, my readers, my clients, my students, my friends, and my associates!
On interior design and decorating... yes, emphatically, I will continue with my work as a designer, I have cultivated many lifetime clients and look forward to having new ones come aboard as time and opportunity allow. I enjoy my work immensely, one on one and with families and it is a true privilege and honor to be invited to work with clients on their homes and offices. I made a decision to merge Linea Interior Design, Inc. under the new auspices of Melissa Galt, Inc. The name Linea was chosen for its global mood and served me well. Now it is everywhere on men's clothing, a line of bath hardware, and much more. It has lost its uniqueness whereas I have not, nor has my name! Hence the change to www.melissagalt.com aka www.lifestylediva.com. Look for me in Spectacular Homes of Georgia, a coffee table book due out by the holiday season, several projects are beautifully showcased.
On teaching... yes, I am returning to my love of teaching but not necessarily in the traditional classroom. Instead I am working on a series of teleclasses and e-book presentations to share not only my knowledge of design, but also my motivations in my career and how to lead the life you love. This will include the whole of life design, with attention on career, personal pursuits and past times, entertaining and homemaking, adventure and travel, personal image and style, and relationships. All of this is being incorporated and presented in the revised site www.melissagalt.com aka www.lifestylediva.com.
On speaking... yes, I am launching a third career (hospitality purchasing was my first, design my second!) as a national speaker, author, and lifestyle expert. This means that I am seeking opportunities to speak to both corporate and consumer based audiences on lifestyle and all its aspects. I have developed several unique programs detailed online and look forward to sharing these with audiences nationwide. All details are available at www.melissagalt.com aka www.lifestylediva.com.
On writing... yes, I will be writing and publishing books on developing your signature life; the life of your dreams. I have written many articles over the last decade and this is the next step. In fact, a motivation book is due out by year end with a chapter I contributed. This will be available for online purchase and review. And I will be pursuing licensing partnerships for signature product lines as well as a line of home goods.
So, for those of you confused by the name changes and the seeming transition, I hope this clarifies it. I have not only moved homes but changed my life for the best. I am excited about my new nest, and my new next steps, and all the wonderful ways to make a positive contribution and share my enthusiasm and inspiration with others.
As always your feedback is valued and desired. Keep talking to me, I do listen and want to provide you with the tools to lead the life of your dreams!
-MG
Trends: Luxury for One and All
The one luxury that none of us have enough of, no matter our financial status or taste is TIME. So now at both ends of the market that is the element being touted most. That is products and services that save us time are the big sellers right now. Whether you enjoy an afternoon at Target or Neiman Marcus, the point is to find products that save time, energy, effort, and add beauty, comfort and ease. It is all about shortcuts to the good life, whatever your definition. Imagine life before the instant information of the internet, the instant contact of a cell phone, the instant hunger satiation of a microwave and fast food, the instant memories of one hour photo developing, and the instant beauty of many overnight treatments. It is all about now and not waiting. Time is precious and it is a nonrenewable resource so make the most of it, and share it with those most precious. Check out my program, 10 valuable Shortcuts to Better Living, Today!
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In this issue...
Related Links
Life Philosophy
"The thing always happens that you really believe in;
and the belief in a thing makes it happen."
- Frank Lloyd Wright
"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."
- Anonymous
"A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do."
- Walter Gagehot
Book Reviews
Death by Inferior Design, Leslie Caine
This was fun, a gift from a client. Sort of Trading Spaces without the television element and with a murder thrown in! The difference is also that the designs were tasteful and livable rather than ridiculous and outrageous. The wackiness was limited to the convoluted personal relationships of the clients and their neighbors, incestuous at best. I certainly appreciated the view that designers are privy to too much, too often. We'd be delighted to accomplish as much knowing far less personal information! This is a light read with a myriad of helpful design tips.
Trade Secrets: Insider Advice on Creating Your Own Personal Style, Better Homes and Gardens
This is a well put together and resourceful compendium of ideas and inspirations from some of today's top product designers, interior designers, shopkeepers, and photo stylists. The fun for me was more in learning of each contributors story in business and personally. But for you, it will likely be the wonderful inspirational photos from sleek urban chic, to colorful relaxed shabby, and everything in between. This is a rare glimpse inside and surprisingly well done. Check it out for the wealth of quick tips, fun decorating ideas, and fast fixes.
Movie Reviews
Rating system of one to five stars
 "The Wedding Date" - Debra Messing, Dermot Mulroney
Well the premise is unfortunately not entirely unfamiliar, though an escort wasn't hired. Hmm, if I'd known Mulroney was available I would not have hesitated. What a stud muffin! Weddings can be a real trial if faced solo, whether or not you are kin to the bride or groom. In this case, the jilted fiancée Messing has to be maid of honor at her sister's wedding that includes her ex-fiancé as best man. YIKES! Fortunately she has Mulroney on her arm and ready to captivate her heart and everyone else around's as well. He is the quintessential perfect guy. He looks great, dresses well, manners of a true gentleman, and can make small talk and dance like a dream. Of course he comes with a price tag! But as luck would have it, love conquers all and my dream of a Hollywood ending once again comes true. This is a delightful tale, on par with "Love Always." Don't miss it, we need the romance in our lives all too much these days, and reality isn't coming close.
 "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" - Laura Linney, Campbell Scott, Tom Wilkinson, Jennifer
This was a real faith challenge and a bit of a mind twist. Based on a true story, the priest is up on homicide charges after an exorcism goes bad or is simply unsuccessful in ridding Emily Rose of her tortuous and multiple demons. The story recounts the trial of the State vs. Father Moore. It is an incredible story that while difficult at times to watch is really startling in forcing one to face their faith. It matters not what faith you are, but whether you have any and can you be open accept that with the belief in God is also the belief in the Devil. The attorney, Laura Linney, has her whole career riding on the case, but comes to realize that it is more important that the story be told and considered than whether she wins or loses. Her own agnosticism is torn apart and a real faith instilled or at least the beginnings of one. The outcome is at once a bittersweet victory and a vilification of faith worldwide. I was unfamiliar with the story and surprised to learn that Emily Rose's gravesite has become a national pilgrimage of sorts. Check this out; it will raise unique and necessary questions.
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Featured Project: Remodeling Success!
Well, you have been patient, and finally I have the unveiling. Exterior only since my interior still needs a lot of work! The stone is fantastic, really adds stature and style. I love my new siding and windows (replaced the back and sides only right now.) Soon to have woven woods at the windows. I was going to try and coast on the front window treatments, but I can see that with the new stone and natural palette, the white shutters and blinds have got to go! Landscaping is now in the works, and I hope to have the inside in party shape soon. My birthday is around the corner and a housewarming is overdue.
Client Quips
"You knew where I was going, even before I did!"
- B. Mullen, Sales and Marketing Executive
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Copyright Melissa Galt, Inc. 2005
This is a free monthly newsletter dedicated to sharing decorating secrets, design tips, helpful advice, and news on the latest trends in home interiors, as well as provide a forum for answering design dilemmas. Be sure to share this ezine with your friends, family and colleagues. Help us grow to a subscriber community of 10,000 +. Together we can make the world a more beautiful place.
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