amy@amytyndall.com

Can’t wait for the BIG FINALE this Saturday! Thanks again for all the love and support!!!

Check out those pretty shutters on the window!

These were manufacturered and installed by the talented folks at Hertiage Shutters. Check out their website:
www.virtualshutters.com

And if you are in Southeastern NC- give their local sales rep a call! The nicest man around- Bob is always a joy to work with!

Bob White, Heritage Shutters
910-617-1404

Hope you guys are all rested up and ready to go vote! You can vote in person at Compass Pointe AND online at

http://www.nationsnexttopmodelhome.com/index.php/tmh/vote2/

Here’s a new video for everyone! Wondering why I chose my color scheme of Black/White/Red? Well here’s one of the reasons. Of course there were more- but the video was getting kinda long…. so here’s one for ya! The other reasons behind my thought process will come in the next few days…. stay tuned!!! AND…. Happy Labor Day! Be sure to relax today!!!!!

For those of you who won’t get a chance to tour in person- I made a personalized, “Amy-guided” tour just for you! I walked around with the camera and talked about all the things I did, where I got everything, etc. And remember- only $5000 people!  I did this exactly how you would do it out in the world- wanted to show you that it can be done.

Ok- let me know what you think! Oh I hope you like! (and please excuse my shaky hand with the camera!!!)

Oh- and don’t forget to VOTE!!!!

http://www.nationsnexttopmodelhome.com/index.php/tmh/vote2/

Here’s a preview- this is a shot of historic downtown Wilmington from the river… I love using personalized artwork in my spaces- gives life and character to your space. Check it out! Just 1 day until the BIG REVEAL!!! Forgive me for zooming in so tight- don’t want to give too much away too soon!!!!!

Downtown Wilmington painting

Now I think this is very important not only to my design, but to you guys out there in the world looking for ideas/inspiration and trying to get excited about working on your own space…… AND most importantly I want you guys thinking about this when you see my finished product! Yes- I did it all for $5000- no freebies- no extra money spent. And you guys can do it too! I really hope you get inspired and get started on beautifying your own space! Have fun!!!

Well the producers asked us to talk a bit about what we thought of this and that- something they do each week. This week one of the questions was “What has shocked you the most during this competition?” Here’s my answer!

Yeah…yeah… I know- but in my head I sound very sophisticated, like I’m from the big city…. just remember that and try to hear that from now on when I’m talking.

OK- a new post from here on out every single day until the reveal! PROMISE!!!! Make sure you check back- I have some cool stuff to show you! Hint- I had a painting done of downtown Wilmington- wait till you see! SO PRETTY!!!!!

Ok- gotta get some rest- more tomorrow!

Amy

I actually have a big surprise- being smart about my budget has afforded me to do a few things in my model that I think will set mine apart from the pack. But when should I reveal this big surprise? I’m worried about revealing it too soon- then I might not be the only one to do it! Stay tuned…. not sure if the big surprise will be revealed on this Monday’s episode or not- still pondering when to send that highly sensitive footage in to the producers. ;-)

So how was I able to really kick butt on that $5000 budget and not take any freebies? Doing the grunt work! No one should think they are too good, or too professional, or too spoiled to do a little hard work. That’s where half the fun comes in! Put on some clothes you don’t mind getting ruined and get some dirt on your hands! Come on- I would rather do a little bit of the grunt work and really get way more for my money- wouldn’t you?

If you don’t mind doing a little work yourself- here are ways to make your money stretch!

1. Scour craigslist for diamonds in the rough. Yes it takes some patience, but when you find that perfect piece you were looking for and it only costs you about 10-20% of buying it new- what a great feeling! I’ve found that I have more luck sticking to non-upholstered items- things like wooden chairs, cabinets, tables, etc seem to be in better shape.
2. Auctions!!! I have said this before- but auctions are so fun! Check out auctions in your area and get really nice furniture for drastically reduced prices.
3. Consignment shops. Just because a piece doesn’t work for one person doesn’t mean it won’t work for you!
4. Paint!!! Come on people- who can’t paint? Make it fun, get your friends over, plug in your ipod to the speakers and make some fun memories!!!
5. Get creative when it comes to artwork. There are a lot of “stock” image websites that you can scour and buy images for as little as $1 each (try www.istockphoto.com). Send those to kinkos- have them printed on nice paper, and frame them yourself. Art is so subjective and personal- this gives you a way to truly make a piece your own.
6. Hit the fabric stores! We are fortunate in Wilmington to have an abundance of  fabric stores (my favorite is Fabric Solutions on Market Street, everything is $7.99/yard!). I love going in and getting inspired by all the textures and patterns. Also try www.fabric.com- they have free shipping over $35 and free returns- so you don’t feel like you are “stuck” if you don’t like something. My sister Janie is a wonderful seamstress and was sweet enough to help me do some sewing when she came for a visit last week.

Good luck! Take responsibility for your own space, make it gorgeous,  and most importantly, have FUN doing it! I mean come on- why bother if you aren’t having FUN???!!!!! 

Speaking of fun…. here are me and Janie having lots of fun working on some of the window treatments- getting a little silly, it had been a long day…..

Where have I heard that before? Oh yeah- it’s the tag-line for Compass Pointe- the 2009 Location of “Nation’s Next Top Model Home.”  I have always thought that was a clever slogan. And if they are using that as their slogan- why shouldn’t I incorporate that very idea into the model home I am designing?

$5000…..28 days….. and I’m not using any of the allowed EXTRA $5000 out of pocket, or taking freebies from vendors. $5000 and that’s it. And- I’m decking this thing out! It’s looking so good- like I spent 4 times as much- but I didn’t! Just using some creativity and finding lots of local fun discount and consignment shops along the way.

I have made that my personal goal for the competition…. To get creative and show what I can do as a great designer given some tough parameters. Not take free stuff to make it appear that I made it work. Hello people, we are DESIGNERS here- shouldn’t “creative” be the whole point? And you guys out in the world watching this don’t have a way to get freebies either- so that just takes all the fun out of it doesn’t it? I approached this just like you guys watching (and reading) this would- shopping at real stores, getting creative, and making a tight budget work. Only difference- I’m doing it with a designer’s background and I just happened to have a little more experience. So follow along and let me show you how it’s done!

Oh I can’t wait for the grand reveal- only 11 days to go and you guys get to see!!!!! My model is truly an advertisement for “Where having more costs less.”

TEASER! Want to see the coolest table ever in life? Wood painted top, marble base, heavy as all get out- and SO PRETTY! So did I use it in my model? 11 days to go and you’ll see!

If you love a treasure hunt- try these local shops in Wilmington:

• Shops at Seagate- ask for Jayne- she is so sweet and helpful!
• Trash to Treasures
• Thrill of the Hunt
• Ivy Cottage
• Primrose Cottage
• Recollections