REINVENTING MY SANITY

Like many of you, I am at pivotal crossroads in my life. Professionally, and in some ways personally. 2009 was rough in so many ways. I had insane clients (literally), if you are reading this, it was not you :-), pressures at the showroom, and painful layoffs. I have never been one to shy away from a personal growth challenge and I will certainly not shy away from this one. It seems clear we are being called to evaluate what is ethical, true and authentic in our world and in our personal lives.

What I know:

I want to be happy and feel everyday I am making a positive, helpful difference in someone’s life. I want to somehow be a beacon of hope as we maneuver thru this significant shift. We get to make some profound life changing choices right now. TOGETHER we have to make concessions and look out for each other.

Small businesses are being hit hard and I am fighting for my life. I can’t just sell a piece of furniture to make a buck. I can’t and never could design a home just to make it look pretty. For me, there has always been a deeper more poignant purpose to my career choice.

I do believe our home has to be a true and authentic space to let down our guard, re-charge, be safe and happy. A space where everywhere you look, you feel exceptional. You walk in your kitchen and you feel proud that you are eating the foods that sustain your body, cooking and preparing meals in a kitchen created with eco-minded materials, energy star rated appliances. You walk in your bedroom and the very sight of this magnificent space calms you.

In a moment of hope, I signed a two year lease at the end of December for Invironments. I did so trusting and hoping that as a community we would all work together to make the true message and intention of Invironments be experienced and succeed.

I love having the most affordable modern furniture in Boulder. After four days at the Las Vegas furniture show, I found some inspiration and have brought in a few new lines, I know are “within reach” for so many of my customers.

Take a look at Innovations for modern cool sofa beds and bright graphic Amy Butler rugs by Chandra. http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/chandra/.

Clubber Sofa bed: $1399 and 6x9 Rug: $865

SALE!!! In store & NEW items too!

ReINvention Sale @ Invironments!
We've had great response to the sale so far...
and now we're offering 20% off all NEW orders too!

EQ3 Lola Sofa
$999 - 30% = $699


Jonathan Adler custom-framed, limited edition prints
40% off. From $699 down to $419/each.

See more here: http://bit.ly/byKUbj

Invironments
1646 Pearl Street
Tues-Sat 10am-6pm

$15,000 Bathroom Eco-Makeover Giveaway Winner Gets Ready for Remodeling to Begin!

Jodi Feinhor-Dennis, owner of Invironments, landed on the front page of The Daily Camera on July 25, 2009, to announce Bathroom Confessions, a $15,000 bathroom eco-makeover giveaway contest. 55 contestants entered, incredible stories were shared and a winner was selected. Now, the remodeling is about to begin!

Invironments along with Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine and other local sponsors banded together in response to threats of a doomed economy to reward a person in the community for simply choosing optimism amidst difficulty. To enter, contestants shared an inspiring story of how they stay hopeful when life throws a curve ball.

The contest was as successful as it was inspirational. The most surprising outcome was just how inspiring people’s stories were! From a man who was laid off so he started a life-long goal to do stand-up comedy, to a woman whose son had died and she saw a recurring white cricket - an omen of her son’s spirit. Many contestants told stories of losing their savings when the stock market plunged, of health issues, of lost jobs – and then told how they keep their spirits up. Some volunteered, some connected with nature, and many said they took time to connect with family and friends.

Of the 55 contestants, Invironments selected Peggy Wrenn, a 58-year-old Boulder native. Her story was moving and inspiring on many levels. She’d had a few “curve balls” within the year: nearing retirement, her net worth dropped by 40% and her best friend passed from cancer. Peggy entered the Bathroom Confessions contest in memory of her late friend, Toni, who had decorated most of Peggy’s home.

Our winner Peggy tells her story best:
Toni REALLY wanted to redo my frumpy bathroom, but we couldn't afford it. Last summer, on a whim, thinking of Toni, I entered a "Bathroom Confessions Eco-Makeover" contest sponsored by Invironments -- a local interior design business -- with a prize of a $15,000 bathroom makeover. Per the contest rules, I wrote an essay on how to stay up in hard times, submitted bathroom photos, and went to the shop to record my story on video in their "bathroom confessional”.

When Invironments announced the winner, it ironically landed one year + one day after Toni’s death. Peggy is certain that Toni arranged this and says of her late friend, “Toni deserves the Purple Heart for making lemonade out of lemons, and using her cancer to heal at the deepest levels, to learn about her true self and to offer her unique brand of love vibrantly to the world.”

Many contestants had very inspiring and heart-wrenching stories. Amidst them all, a single statement Peggy said at the end of her video interview stood out from the rest. She said, “When you see every gesture as a gift, you’re too grateful to be scared.”

This Saturday, January 16, Peggy is hosting a party at her home – the date would have been Toni’s 60th birthday. While celebrating Toni’s life, Peggy will show off the decorating Toni accomplished and then Invironments’ designer Jodi Feinhor-Dennis will present design concepts for the bathroom’s eco-makeover.

To create the $15,000 giveaway, Invironments rallied its many local resources in the home-remodeling industry and asked them to be a bathroom makeover partner. Each sponsor jumped on board with a shared vision: to uplift and benefit the community of Boulder County. All materials and labor will be donated by the local sponsors.

Sponsors include:
Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine: www.homeandgardenmag.com Quarterly magazine that links Boulder County homeowners with the wide array of services, resources and products available to them.

Invironments Design: www.invironmentsdesign.com Intuitively designing homes to connect you with your soul. Invironments insulates clients from the stress of a typical home remodel by managing the interior design/remodeling project and budget from concept to completion.

KBC Remodeling: An expert in full-scale, eco-green remodeling, KBC specializes in custom cabinetry solutions.

Go Green Flooring: http://thecarpetline.com Family owned since opening in 1982, Go Green offers the latest technology in environmentally sound flooring with knowledgeable service and expert installation technicians.

Splashlight: www.splashlightonline.com Unique, modern and stylish, energy-efficient light fixtures.

Boulder Bath: www.boulderbath.com Owner Meri Lynn is the third generation of a family business that specializes in high-end home design products; Boulder Bath offers specialty decorative bath and plumbing fixtures.

Apache Stoneworks: www.apachestoneworks.com The highest quality installation of tile and stone by a reliable and professional team.

True Colors Painting: http://truecolorsofboulder.com Specializing in interior and exterior painting, this crew will use eco-friendly paints and the end result will be crisp edges and a refreshed space.

Ellie's Home Store: www.elliesecohomestore.com A one-stop shop for healthy, sustainable, recycled and eco friendly products including remodeling products, kitchenware, pet accessories, house cleaning and apparel.

Contact:
Katy Pollock, Invironments
katy@invironmentsdesign.com (303) 413 8003

EQ3 Stella Sofa. So affordable!!

Birthday Party! You're invited! Food, Wine, FUN & Free prizes!

ALL DAY SALE: DRAW FOR 10-30% OFF

TONS OF PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS
from our great East End neighbors:
Starrs, Violette, Common Era, Joyful, T-Bar, Bimbamboo,
The Cup, Barbara & Co, Dish Gourmet and Full Cycle... to name a few!

PLEASE RSVP:
katy@invironmentsdesign.com (303) 413-8003
1646 Pearl Street www.invironmentsdesign.com

Hosted by: Jodi of Invironments and her Contractor Extraordinaire, Mark of KBC Remodel

Invironments Lands on the Front Page of The Daily Camera

"Bathroom makeover to flush the blues"

To see the full story... and the video coverage too... click here!

GIANT Ugly Dolls crashed the party!

Invironments' "Ugly Dolls & Donuts" event was a blast last night!

Check out these fun photos:


Jodi hung out with GIANT Zeke... while Wes snacked on a few donuts.
Now that's a happy kid!


Our next event is Invironments' 3rd anniversary party ~ in August ~
hope to see you!

Enter to WIN a $15,000 Bathroom Remodel

Boulder County Residents Invited to Share Inspirational Story in the “Bathroom Confessional”

Invironments, an interior design firm and modern furniture store, today announces a giveaway contest with a complete bathroom eco-makeover prize, valued at $15,000. To win, contestants will be Boulder County homeowners and will share an inspiring story of how they keep a positive attitude amidst life’s challenges.

To enter, contestants will go to Invironments and enter the “bathroom confessional” where they will record a short video interview telling why they deserve an eco-bathroom makeover. Inspirational stories can revolve around topics like: Is your life in a “remodel”? What inspires you when times are tough? Are you changing careers? How are you committing to eco-living? Did your mother-in-law move in or do you just need a fresh start?

To create the full-package giveaway, Invironments rallied its many local resources in the home-remodeling industry and asked them to be a bathroom makeover partner. Each sponsor jumped on board with a shared vision: to uplift and benefit the community of Boulder County. All materials and labor will be donated by the local sponsors. The sponsors will select one winner.

Contestants can enter to win in three simple steps:

1. Download the application at www.GetBoulder.com/contest

2. Submit application in person at Invironments (17th & Pearl, Boulder)

3. Step into Invironments’ “bathroom confessional” to record a short video interview

Applications are accepted Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm through August 31, 2009. Please call ahead to set appointment. See official rules and full details at GetBoulder.com/contest. The winner will be announced in Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine’s fall issue.

Sponsors: Invironments, KBC Remodeling Services, Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine, Go Green Flooring, Splashlight, Boulder Bath, Apache Stoneworks, True Colors Painting, Ellie's Eco-Home Store

Become a fan on Facebook:

Invironments Design and “Bathroom Confessions” Eco-Makeover Contest

Follow us on Twitter: @invironments

For more information, please contact Katy Pollock at Invironments

(303) 413 8003 katy@invironmentsdesign.com

Ugly Dolls & Donuts!

You donut want to miss this event!!

You're invited to Ugly Dolls & Donuts at Invironments! Tuesday, July 21, 6pm.

Beignets, southern-style donuts, will be baked by Mateo Restaurant, an East-End Pearl Street favorite.

Come meet "Mrs. Kasoogi" a 2-foot-tall Ugly Doll!

Invironments created the "Connect to Your Joy" event series to celebrate hope, inspire people toward clever home design, experience great community & enjoy fun, tasty food.

The event is FREE, please RSVP to katy@invironmentsdesign.com.

New Ugly Dolls! Cute as can be!

Say hello to Mrs. Kasoogi. She's 2 feet tall!

And meet her cuter-than-ugly side kicks, Big Toe & Fea Bea.


Come meet our new ugly dwellers, at Invironments, 1646 Pearl Street, Boulder.

And stay tuned ~ our next event is Ugly Dolls & Donuts on July 21!

You're Invited! "Cabinets, Salsa & Knives" is Saturday, June 20.

Fun event! Yummy salsa! Eco-awesomeness!

Click for details:

Green buzz words: what do they mean, really?

1. solar thermal energy (ste):
Solar "power" usually means converting the sun's rays (photons) to electricity. Sometimes called solar heating, STE, can be used to heat your home, water and even pool. It is a smart and passive way to take advantage of the sun’s energy by, capturing and storing heat to use during cooler periods. lighthousesolar.com, wikipedia.com


2. solar photovoltaic (pv):
From large rooftop panels to small disks on landscape lighting, PV cells convert sunlight into electric energy. Photons from sunlight knock electrons into a higher state of energy, creating electricity. Growing government support is making solar PV more cost-effective than ever. namastesolar.com


3. geo-thermal:
(AKA) geoexchange systems or heat pumps, take advantage of the nearly constant temperature a few feet below the Earth to influence the temperature of your home. Spaces can be heated or cooled by burying tubes of refrigerant below the ground and forcing the transfer of heat (or cold) from them. Harnessing heat from geysers and other geothermal features also works, but only if you live near them. bluevalleyenergy.com


4. leed certification:
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is a rating and certification system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide consistent standards for the design, construction, and operation of green buildings. blueegg.com, inhabitconsulting.com, usgbccolorado.com, greenhomeguide.org


5. green points program:
This is an impressive example of a municipality pushing for change. Through this program the City of Boulder requires building permit seekers to use sustainable remodeling and building methods and technologies that conserve energy, water and other natural resources. Check for similar programs in your city or town.


6. zero-waste:
It means just that, no-waste from the products you buy and use. Products and packaging are being developed with reuse, recycling and composting in mind. When using or buying products, think about the entire lifecycle. greenlivingjournal.com


7. low/no voc:
VOC stands for “volatile organic compounds” which are a variety of chemicals that may cause short-and/or long-term adverse health effects, from temporary eye irritation to organ damage. Seek Low or No-VOC paints, finishes and materials when possible. epa.gov/iaq/voc


8. off-gassing:
Does that unmistakable "new house” or “new car” smell make you feel woozy? That's because many building materials, flooring, plastics, furnishings, paints, and clothing finishes offgas (or outgas) potentially hazardous chemicals, including VOCs. Offgassing abates as time goes on. Minimize your exposure by purchasing products marked no-VOC or low-VOC, and by airing out newly painted or carpeted rooms for a few days before settling in. blueegg.com


9. fsc certified:
Wood products that have been certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), come from forests that are sustainably managed – taking into account environmental impacts, economic and social concerns. Look for this certification when seeking wood products. fscus.org


10. carbon footprint:
Primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels including domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car and plane). We do have control over this. Secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. carbonfootprint.com. Take a carbon footprint assessment at climatecrisis.net.


Invironments:
MODERN/AFFORDABLE HOME FURNISHINGS, INTERIOR DESIGN AND REMODELING.
We help you create spaces that connect you to your joy. Our interior design services give your family beautiful eco-sensible spaces while minimizing the frustration of a typical home remodel. Unlike other interior designers, Invironments oversees the entire project for you - from concept to couches, hiring and managing the architect, contractor, painter and more.

"First Fridays" on Pearl Street's East End

Wine, Cheese & Pillows! Saturday May 16, RSVP

May Day! May Day! May Day Sale!

Sweet sectional @ cool customer's redesigned home

Isn't this the coolest Ireland green sectional? Two of our favorite customers, Brent & Jamie Barkley, selected this EQ3 Leo sectional from Invironments. What great taste!

Truffletastic Tuesday!

Chocolate & Sponges is Tuesday, April 21 at 6pm-7:30.

Invironments Connect to Your Joy Home Series
Because connecting to your joy is SO important right now!

Free chocolate, free spring cleaning tips, free giveaway of cool things and get 15% off any purchases during the event.

Special guest speakers:

- Mr. Shannon Siebert: he's a chocolatier, confectionary genius, Culinary School of the Rockies professor and a pastry chef extraordinaire. He will give insider tips on how to choose the best quality chocolate and details of the tempering process to create tantalizing truffles.

- TWIST: the coolest eco-friendly sponges and a Boulder-based company. Do you know the environmental impact of traditional sponges? Daniel will get you in-the-know and tell you all about the mission of TWIST.

- FiberSeal: When disaster strikes (like pink marker on a white sofa) FiberSeal comes to the rescue! Discover how cleaning and protecting your furniture and rugs can dramatically increase their longevity and beauty.

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES!
RSVP:
via Facebook
call (303) 413.8003
email katy@invironmentsdesign.com

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS: Concertos in Chocolate, TWIST, FiberSeal
And don't miss our next event: Cheese + Pillows! Saturday, May 16 12-1:30pm

Chocolate & Sponges: Event April 21!

Invironments is thrilled to announce the second event in its Connect to Your Joy Home Series: Chocolate & Sponges! Tuesday, April 21 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30.

Savor hand-made truffles from Concertos in Chocolate and discover the best eco-friendly sponges & products by Twist. A Boulder culinary professor will give an inside-look on truffle making tips & tricks. And Invironments' highly recommended upholstery/rug cleaning service, FiberSeal, will tell a heroic story... a customer recently had a mishap with a hot pink ma rker and a white Della Robbia sofa. While traditional cleaning attempts were unsuccessful, FiberSeal returned the stunning sofa to like-new condition. Phew!

RSVP on Facebook
Or call (303) 413-8003

Five Tips for Creating a Beautiful Kitchen that’s EASY to Work In

1. Consider more than just cooking when designing your kitchen. Kitchens are now often landing zones for the whole household – mail/office space, cell phone charging stations, entertaining. When planning your kitchen design, throw the net wide and consider all the uses.

2. Group similar activities into zones. Primary zones like prep, cooking and cleanup create the kitchen framework and should be distributed to avoid crowding, but close enough to share common needs. Locate prep and cleanup zones near each other. Distribute secondary zones like baking, beverage, communication centers, storage and entertainment throughout the primary zones to spread out activity. Use this system as an alternative to the standard kitchen triangle, which doesn’t work for all floor plans.

3. Plan for multiple cooks in the kitchen. Organize zones with enough elbow room to accommodate multiple people. Can someone access the dishwasher while another preps and cooks? Does opening the refrigerator door cut another person off from the sink? If you have the space, leave at least 48” of clear counter space to one side of the stove or cooktop.

4. Face your guests. If you are the social type, create an interactive layout to better connect with your family or guests while in the kitchen. Give people a comfortable place to sit to help with prep, do homework or just visit.

5. Buy eco-sensible materials. Shop for eco-friendly alternatives to standard kitchen materials. Cabinet boxes can be made from non-off-gassing particleboard or sustainable wood from managed forests. Research has shown granite can be radioactive (The New York Times “What’s Lurking in Your Countertop?” 7/24/08). Check out cool & durable countertop materials that contain recycled materials. Recycled glass: Icestone.biz, Vetrazzo, Trinity. Post-industrial-waste integrated with cement: SquakMountainStone.com. Recycled paper: PaperstoneProducts.com. Bamboo+paper: EcoTop. Decommissioned money: Shektastone.

Invironments helps you create spaces that connect you to your joy. We encourage cooking enthusiasts to delight in their craft and get more out of their kitchens. We create beautiful, eco-friendly kitchens and minimize the frustration of a typical home remodel. Unlike other interior designers or kitchen planners, Invironments manages the entire project. We hire the architect, contractor and painter, while overseeing the entire job from concept to curtains. See our designs at www.invironmentsdesign.com or visit our showroom located at 1646 Pearl Street in beautiful downtown Boulder. (303) 413-8003.

We make your butt eco-happy!

New at Invironments:

Introducing Italiana Salotti, Invironments' newest high-end, modern, custom furniture line. Currently on our showroom floor: the cutest HOT pink chair with stiletto feet and super cush chocolate leather sofa..

This line is designed and manufactured in Italy and created without CFCs -- the leading cause of ozone depletion in the stratosphere. Did you know that CFC molecules can have a 100-year lifespan and just one CFC molecule can result in the loss of 100,000 ozone molecules? Mention this tidbit next time you're in the store and get 10% off one item.

Stop into Invironments soon to take a seat in these luxurious new additions!

How cute is that hot pink chair? Seriously!!!

Melt into the chocolate leather sofa - it's sooooo comfortable!
Come in soon - you've just got to try it.

Stay tuned... we'll be announcing yet another eco-friendly line very soon, made in the U.S.A.

If someone you know is considering a home remodel, refer Invironments and you could earn a $500 shopping spree at our store. We offer interior design, eco-remodeling and full-service project management, insulating our clients from the stress of a typical home remodel.

At Invironments, it's our mission to create spaces that connect you to your joy.

In joy,

Jodi Feinhor-Dennis

1646 Pearl Street, Boulder

(303) 413-8003

invironmentsdesign.com