You never know. With the lottery being above 1 billion dollars I had to play at least once. I put some thought into it - bought them at small stores that I would like to share in the winnings WHEN I won, a few different tickets on a few different days... And waited to see my lucky numbers being drawn.

I didn't win the big money but I almost covered what I spent and it was fun to dream for a few hours.

Back to the reality that isn't so bad. A wonderful family, career, friends, and challenges that are priceless.

I have been so blessed to be part of a very close, loving family. Growing up getting to spend time with grandparents, aunts, uncles and of course, my sisters made it possible to have experiences that have made me the person I am today.

Giving back was something I was taught and practiced from a very early age, and one of our family traditions was when we saw someone who looked like they needed a good meal we would feed them.

One of our favorite things to do during the Summer is to attend Til Midnight at the Nasher Sculpture Center. There's nothing better than enjoying a picnic under and around these beautiful pieces of art and dancing under the stars to a band.

The Walnut Hill Farm Driving Competition is something that I try to attend every year. Being able to be so close to these spectacular animals and carriages is such a treat, and the people-watching is pretty special as well.

There is nothing more rewarding than coming back to visit a community that you poured your heart and soul into and seeing people enjoying your work and loving the lifestyle you helped create. The Hammocks at Canandaigua had a pool party tonight and everyone had a great time. Such a beautiful place to live and it's truly a Lifestylist Designed community.

I still can't believe I have 5 grandchildren!

Last weekend was the christening for my youngest granddaughter and it was so much fun having everyone together.

The 4th of July has always been about family for us. When I was young we would spend Summers on the shores of lake Erie at our family farm shucking peas and daydreaming while coasting along on an inner tube, and when we started being involved in the Park Club Swim Team aka "The Purple Pollywogs" we'd have a picnic by the 18th hole and enjoy the fireworks.

This young lady reminded me of why I am so grateful for the parents I have and the lessons they taught me - not only have I never been afraid to work at any job I need to if I want to succeed but my children and grandchildren feel the same way as well.

It happened again. Someone dumped a tiny kitten in front of my house which is on a very busy street, now all I can worry about is if he is safe. Smart boy - he worked his way into the "big house" and now even though there is a storm raging outside I know he is safe and dry. The little things that make me happy.

It's so easy to worry about finding the next story or filling space on a blog, but in the process you forget to enjoy what's in front of you. It's something I've been working on, and as a result have been posting more on Instagram than on my blogs - I truly love the instant sharing Instagram provides. Please be patient with me. I have so many great stories and places to share, but life needs to be about living first. Next week I'm going to NYC for a week to just learn and explore - I can't wait! Lots more coming soon... promise.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

January is always busy, and this year the International Builders Show, The Kitchen and Bath Show AND the Las Vegas Furniture Market! That's going to be a lot to take in during a short amount of time, but this Lifestylist is up for the challenge.

I've been involved with Shared Housing for over 20 years because I really believed in what they were about - to provide and facilitate affordable housing options. Their mission has been to offer housing options and supportive services that foster independence, empowerment, and self-worth and to serve a multicultural, intergenerational population.

We have been enjoying these last few days of Summer in our refurbished 1940's pool. It was a ridiculous amount of work to get it up and running, but when I'm just floating in happy silence it makes it all worth it.

Another birthday has come and gone, but for a change, I'm feeling even younger than ever. This might be the result of sharing my birthday week with my 3 yr old grandson which meant not only did he get to have a bounce house at his birthday party, I did as well. What great fun and family time -it's going to be really hard to leave tomorrow.

I'm feeling more blessed than ever to have the family, business, and successes that I have.

One of our favorite. Finds this year is the Polaroid Fotobar. The prints are so fun and affordable but what we really love is their frames. Their innovative idea of magnetic backs makes it possible to constantly change out what's in your frame and use the extra prints on the refrigerator or another magnetic surface. True family style!

It's been a super busy week full of fun discoveries and quality family time, but I'm ready to be home again with my 4 legged family members.

Getting to spend an evening at Chautauqua Institution was such a treat and brought back lots of wonderful childhood memories. These sculptures were so Chautauqua - celebrating diversity and the arts.

There's been a lot of talks lately about how the bee population is dwindling, but that doesn't seem to be the case around The Home Idea Factory - we have three swarms of them that have decided to take up residence. I didn't want to call an exterminator and kill them, so I got online and came up with a better solution - Home & Hive.

An Old Irish Blessing:

May love and laughter light your days,

and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours,

wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world

with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons

bring the best to you and yours!

Spending days looking at all of the colorful new products, furniture, and accessories that are coming to market has me ready to make some changes at my own Home Idea Factory. We have been so wonderfully busy I haven't been able to put much effort into my own home, but I'm ready.