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My Blog
Entertaining
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Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 3:39 PM
As a professional, I thought it to be important that I define who I am and what I do! Here is a sample of my business philosophy I use to be the best Designer I can be for my clients...
1.
I am an artist! What I do is creative work;
designers need talent, skills and experience! Design is not easy; I am paid to
make it look that way.
2. I am the expert!As
the expert, I only want to give you the best
outcome for your project. I will explain
the reasons behind major decisions. The
way I do things is based upon my education and training!
3. Your Feedback is important!With all the information available on the web, your feedback might just
reveal a better idea that will improve the final results! However; not everyone is a designer because
they can identify colors or new products!
Be careful not to spew guidelines; after all, I am the expert and I am
the one with the education and experience!
4. Communication is crucial
Your input is very important so that I have a clear understanding of your
wants and needs; if you have invited me into your home, be prepared to answer
my questions and most importantly to discuss money! Without a clear understanding of what you
want and what your budget is to accomplish that, our relationship is doomed
right from the start! For me, including
my clients usually means they have a great appreciation for the work I do as they
see it develop from a basic idea to the completed project.
5.
Deadlines We know all want what we want as
fast as possible; understand that it takes time for even the simplest project
to be completed. While I work with
timelines, I do not directly manufacture the product that goes into a project. The materials that are available today may
not be available tomorrow; especially when it comes to fabric. For example, the availability of a fabric
being used on your project, could easily become unavailable if the manufacturer
sells the bolt to another vendor!
6.
Respect the contract The contract is important; this is
serious business and the contract we sign needs to be respected by both you and
me. I am a serious professional and I want to be able to provide you what you
want and to be paid at the appropriate times.
I want to adhere to work schedules and timelines; but I can only do that
if you respect the contract by making yourself available when needed, and honor
the payment schedule.
Bottom
line Being a designer is not easy and I
am not saying this only because of the amount of skills you need, but because I
work with all types of clients with all types of expectations; trust me I’ve never had two clients or two projects that were
the same. Challenges and difficulties arise all the time; I like to err on the
side of resolution; you are a happy client and I am able to show off another distinctive design! (It is a win- win situation!) |
Design Connections, TradeShows, Community, Cooking, Dining Rooms, Wall Art, Tile Surfaces, Color Conversations, Living Rooms, Entertaining, Floors, Accents, Holiday Decor, Outdoor Entertaining
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Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2011 1:12 PM
Welcome the arrival of fall and Thanksgiving guests with gorgeous
decorations both indoors and out.
Create a Warm Welcome
 Welcome guests to holiday gatherings with a beautifully decorated entry
table. Create this autumnal display by placing golden gingko and bittersweet
branches in a large sculptural vase. Pears piled in a rustic stoneware bowl, a
ready bottle of wine and low dish of nuts are all reminders of the harvest. Don’t
have the DIY savvy?
 Then brighten up
your home for the season like vases filled with fall flowers. Sunflowers and Alstromeria
are great choices because they'll remain beautiful for up to a week. The trick
to keeping blooms fresh is to remove all leaves below the water line and change
out the water every few days.
Brighten Up Your Entry  Variegated croton in saturated shades of green, gold and red surrounded by
vibrant mums and pumpkins give the front entry a colorful fall pick-me-up. Both
plants are perennials and can either be brought indoors to weather the winter
or, if you live in a warm climate, planted to add color to your landscape.
Or
gather dried grass bunches in planters to flank the front door; use a painted basket filled with feathers and silk
greenery as a stylish stand-in for the traditional wreath. Stack foam pumpkins to
create an easy-to-assemble decoration that can be used year after year.
Earthy Elegance You can create this chic table setting using all organic elements for a look
that is both sophisticated and simple. A linen tablecloth and napkins, tied with
humble garden string, paired beautifully with weathered terra cotta urns topped
with moss and tiny ghost pumpkins. A single artichoke at each place setting is
a charming addition and lets your guest know that they are free to enjoy time
together by lingering over this well set table.
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Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 11:55 AM
Flooring installation by Miller Flooring, Inc .and painting by JY International Painting.
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Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 12:43 PM
You can take the ease of having an indoor party
outside by having your ingredients and tools in order at your outdoor bar.
You
might even want to consider stocking your bar with its own outdoor glassware
for cocktails, wine and beer. Keep a separate set of bar tools outside to avoid
multiple trips indoors. Be sure to utilize plastics whenever possible...Have you ever had to empty the pool to search for glass pieces? Or had to pull glass shards from the feet of little children?
You'll need the basics in this outdoor setup –
bottle openers, napkins and stirrers. And be sure to place pouring spouts on
all liquor and mixer bottles to keep spills to a minimum.
Choose a bar console that's big on storage
below with plenty of prepping space above. If you wish, add an outdoor fridge
or wine chiller nearby.
If that's not an option, try a galvanized metal tub or
a new wheelbarrow filled with ice to keep beverages cool. A coordinating
ottoman doubles as a casual coffee table for trays of drinks.
Need help setting up your outdoor space? Call us at RyanAlexander Interiors and our design consultant will create an entertaining experience for you and your guests!
786.704.9370
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Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 11:50 AM
If you’re like me, I enjoy anything that supports my notion
about who I am; in my professional life as an interior designer and in personal
life as wife and mother. So every now
and then I take pleasure in reading my horoscope…I found this one to be short
and to the point so I have included it for you to get a kick out of! Be honest and this will tell you the truth. Write
your answers on paper.
1.
Which is your favorite color: Red, Black,
Blue, Green or Yellow? 2. Your first initial? 3. Your month of birth? 4. Which
color do you like more, Black or White? 5. The name
of a person that is the same sex as
you? 6. Your
favorite number? 7. Do you
like California or Florida more? 8. Do you
like a Lake or the Ocean more? 9. Write
down a Wish (a realistic one)
To find your Feng
Shui horoscope scroll down!
1. If
you choose: Red: You are alert and your life is full of love. Black: You are conservative and aggressive. Green: Your soul is relaxed and you are laid back. Blue: You are spontaneous and love affection. Yellow: You are a very happy person & give good advice to
those who are down. 2. If
your initial is between: A-K: You have a lot of love and friendships in your life. L-R: You try to live your life to the max & your love life is
soon to bloom. S-Z: You like to help others and your future looks very bright. 3. If
you were born in: Jan-Mar: The year will go very well for you and you will discover
that you fall in love with someone totally unexpected. Apr-Jun: You will have a strong love relationship that will last
forever. Jul-Sep: You will have a great year and will experience a major life
changing experience for the good. Oct-Dec: Your life will be great; you will find your soul mate.
4. If
you choose: Black: Your life is about to get better. You are more than ready
for the change. White:
You have a friend who completely confides in you and would do anything for you,
but you may not realize it.
5. This
person should be your Best Friend. 6. This
is how many close friends you will have in your life time. 7. If
you choose: California : You like adventure. Florida : You are a laid back person. 8. If
you choose: Lake : You are loyal to your friends and your lover. You are very
reserved. Ocean: You are spontaneous and like to please people. 9. This
wish will come true! |
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Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 3:41 PM
This segment is one of many that host Emily Zubizarreta, (better known around town as Emily Zubi) conducts to
celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of women in business! I am thrilled that Emily has invited me to
share my story; (you have to listen to hear it, though!) as a South Florida
business owner. Women in business have
to overcome household demands, parental demands, marriage/relationship demands;
and, family and friend demands. So I
invite you to join us; sit with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate (it’s freezing
in South Florida right now!) and relax for a ½ hour as we discuss challenges
and triumphs in today’s market!
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Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Thursday, December 09, 2010 2:02 PM
When we talk about Yuletide accessories, one of the most
popular items to adorn our homes with are Christmas
wreaths. It has been a tradition for so many years that the origination of
this tradition is buried deep into the beginning of time. (For more on the
evolution of wreaths and their symbolism go to: http://www.ehow.com/about_6587138_history-christmas-wreaths.html).
Door Wreaths  Door
wreaths are an inviting holiday decor for any season; they symbolize cheerful
greetings to visitors and passer-bys.
However at this time of year they are especially abundant! The simple wreath of evergreens has grown to
include bows, ornaments, and tinsel of various colors other than red and
green. The imagination and color scheme
options are endless! Dried wreaths  Dried
wreaths capture the essence of the Christmas season through the use of
mossy twigs, dried evergreen plants, and dried fruits. This unique twist to the
conventional holiday wreath is comforting and a rustic reminder of the “good
ole days” when the holiday season was less about shopping and more about
spending time with family and friends. Fresh Christmas Wreaths  Fresh
holiday wreaths are the ultimate in holiday décor! The smell and rich deep greens are authentic
and completely embrace the spirit of the holiday! A fresh wreath can stand alone or be adorned
with berries, pine cones and ribbon; and due to their intrinsic aroma, the less added to this wreath
the better!
Regardless of which holiday wreath you choose, your
Christmas wreath is a welcome sign that makes visitors and guests feel
comfortable even before they have entered the front door! Then all you have to do is brew a nice cup of hot cocoa! (Need help selecting the right wreath for
your home? Call us at
786.704.9370 for ALL your holiday decorating ideas!) |
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Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Monday, December 06, 2010 12:09 PM
The holiday season got off to an early start this year with Hanakkuh going into its fifth day of celebration tonight! For me this month is filled with Anniversaries (mine included!); Birthdays galore (5 among family and friends) Christmas, and the grand finale New Year's. With all the festivities, please keep in mind the following that has been airing in Australia since 1989 and just be Safe! (Click here)
Holidays are not holidays if we don't exercise safety, not just for ourselves and our loved ones; but, to those people traveling on the road with you, and their families!
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Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 12:58 PM
I am not talking about 3D
viewing…I am referring to an interior
designers dream; the disappearing
TV!What a fantastic design creation! Granted, TV’s have evolved over the last 10
years from big bulky boxes to slim and sleek “hang able” wall furniture; but,
somehow their large and luminous black wall holes are a decorating eyesore!
Now, instead of mounting that
big black hole onto the wall; Cabinet Tronics has designed a piece of furniture
and lovingly housed it inside. The TV
comes out when you are ready to view it! TV lift
furniture is a combination of layered exotic woods and stylized cabinetry that may be positioned at
the foot of the bed, against a wall, or centered in the room.
Not only does this give way
to a host of home design ideas for interior
decorators; but the features normally associated with television viewing
are not compromised in any way: a swivel mount is available to view the TV at
various angles in the room, the housing give access to cables and wires, and
the remote control handles all operations!
You do not need to check into
a Luxury hotel to enjoy this rendezvous, now Luxury TV viewing is available
right in your own home. Call us at 786-704-9370 for
assistance in creating this home design
experience! |
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Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Friday, November 05, 2010 10:34 AM
At my house Pumpkins
are never carved! They can be colored
and decorated, but never cut into. As an
interior decorator, I am not a fan of watching vegetables decay on top of my
kitchen counter (I like
pretty things!); especially when I can create marvelous treats to enjoy
after Halloween.
 Pumpkin is a member of
the squash family; it is sweet and versatile. I serve pumpkin soup on Thanksgiving and give pumpkin
bread to family and friends all through the holiday season. A few days after Halloween, I cut the pumpkin
in half and remove the seeds. I place the
halves on a baking sheet with about ¼ cup of water in the pan shell side up. Depending on the size of the pumpkin, you may
have to cut it up into ¼’s. Cook it in
the oven on 350 degrees anywhere from 1 to 3 hours (do not allow the water to
completely evaporate; the moisture allows
the pumpkin to soften, so add more water
in small increments until it has finished cooking!). The pumpkin is done when the inside is soft
and the shell or skin is dark and pliable. 
Once the pumpkin is cooked I remove the skin and immediately
use it in a recipe or I divide it up into 2 cup portions and freeze until ready
to use. Because of its versatility you can create a number of pumpkin dishes, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin pie; or just about
anything. For recipes to these and other
pumpkin dishes click here. Tips to keep in mind…fresh pumpkin is NOT as sweet as
canned. Taste your recipe after you have
combined all ingredients so that you can add more sugar if necessary. Fresh pumpkin retains the water we used to
cook it. If you are baking, this could
affect the wet to dry proportions.
 At my house
this holiday season; the holiday décor will be in full view minus the pumpkins that
used to sit on the counter top! Instead, you look at your dinner plate and know
anything orange will be edible! |
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