MASS. HOME PRICES = SAILS DOWN

Might be a good time to start looking for a home on the Cape.

CURRENT ENERGY: NEW RETAIL CONCEPT ON KNOX

Current Energy, an entirely new concept in retail, has just opened on Knox Street and is touting innovative energy saving products and programs. Energy advisors will evaluate your home energy needs, provide a cost comparison between your current electric provider and other sources as well as sell you everything from solar screens to electric scooters. Check this out. I have never seen anything like it, and believe me, I have been looking. Store management says this is the first of many storefronts slated to open. Rumor has it there are BIG bucks backing this concept–so expect to hear much, much more about it. 3101 Knox St., right next to the Apple Store.

JULIO QUINONES

Decorator Julio Quinones, known for his trademark use of the Greek key design, says he has had it up to here with the classic motif. “No more! It’s over! I just got back from vacation in Athens, and I’m sick to death of the Greek key,” he told me today at lunch at Arcodoro, where D Home hosted a kickoff for our upcoming Tour of Homes. Instead, he was inspired by the vivid colors that the Athenians use to paint their front doors. “I took hundreds of pictures of doors,” he said.

TAOS MEMENTOS

Know what I got from Christine’s holiday, Peggy? Me neither. My wife usually bakes for my friends up at work on their birthdays. Consider your name off the list, Christine. I’ll be pouting in the corner if anyone should need me.

TAOS: WHAT A SHOPPING DESTINATION

I imagine that many of you have been teary this past week, missing my posts. (No? Well, I flatter myself.) Whether you noticed or not, I was on a holiday in the rugged and snowy (it’s true, I saw the fall’s first snow!) New Mexico mountains. Monday en route to Albuquerque, we stopped in Taos for lunch and a bit of shopping. Incredible! If you haven’t been lately, prepare to be impressed. There are still about 100 great art galleries, unique eateries, and the world’s best small independent bookstore, Moby Dickens. But there are two places: must-sees, really…
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CRAFTY CONTESTS AND CLASSES

For those of you not hung-over, Make in State-Thomas offers classes in home decor and floral design, among others subjects. Crafty readers out there, check out their site at here.

(Don’t forget Make’s Urban Bazaar, Sept. 29-Oct. 1; times on web site, location: 2632 Thomas Avenue @ Boll. If we have weather like this past weekend’s, it’ll be the perfect excuse to stroll outside.)

And quickly, blog Decor8 and Fabulous Stationary are holding a contest for the best workspace, so if you love where you work, send in a pic. Contest ends the 28th, so hurry. Deets after jump.
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RE: THANKSGIVING DINNER

So, it was the champagne that made my feet stick to the floor this morning. I just thought someone had been seriously tasting the punch. Roger, your things will be returned, I don’t want you to have a beating. But, I do kind of like the zester, it goes with my juicer.

THANKSGIVING DINNER II

We looked exactly like that Norman Rockwell picture of family holiday perfection! I even wore my apron which alas, I think is also at your house, Peggy, along with my “bottle” of Hannah’s brew. Let’s do it again on Halloween and practice opening champagne bottles…if Hannah makes more “brew.”
(P.S. Peggy, thanks for everything!)

CULINARY CONNECTION’S ITALIAN DINNER

Is everyone feeling a little jealous of our D Home feast? Well, I have an analgesic. How does a little Italian sound? Culinary Connection, a favorite gift and entertaining shop at the Shops at Legacy, is hosting an Italian night, featuring a Vietri trunk show, other Italian ceramics such as Arte Italica, and Italian cookbooks. Oh, and perhaps the most important part, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Stop by Saturday, Sept. 30, from 4-9 p.m. You might even snag the door prize, a Vietri holiday antipasto dish. RSVP: pam@culinaryconnectiongifts.com. It should be a buona sera.

RE: HOLIDAY DINNER WITH STYLE

Yes, quite a party, Peggy. But we’ll have to watch Hannah next time. A novice when it comes to opening champagne bottles, Hannah sent the cork buzzing by her Botticelli-like face as half the contents of the bottle erupted onto the counter and floor. Ah, good times.

Oh yeah, I left my zester and holder at your house. And when I say mine, I mean my wife, Kimberly’s. And when I say I need it back, I mean help me avoid a serious beating.

HOLIDAY DINNER WITH STYLE

Well, not exactly like this, but D Home editors celebrated an early holiday dinner at my house yesterday–we’ll share our favorite recipes in the next issue. Some great food, and a lot of laughs, perhaps helped along by Hannah’s famous Artillery Punch–check with me for a recipe. The best by far was having my house styled by Leslie Murphy. I highly recommend it if you are sick to death of your house and want a new look–all with your own stuff. With the purchase of two lamps and two architectural prints, I have a new home.

HOME SALES

At first glance, this report makes you wonder what all the hoopla about declining home sales is about. However, when you check out my column in the next issue of D Home, you’ll see why builder’s homes are moving. Still, according to the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio continue to defy the downward trend–sales are up in those cities, as are home prices compared to one year ago. (Note–I’ve copied some of the report in the jump, to save you lots o’ clicking…)
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