A Little Tight on Space? Squeeze In - Everyone!

Function - now here is a word that is often overused. We intend to stop that and bring you real function in a few pieces of furniture. The day has come to consider many things and one of those is that famous "down-sizing" statement. Have you looked around at how many new Pop-Up Condos are being built in larger cities? If you want to live right in the heart of the city and be close-in, one way to maximize your space is to maximize your furniture "function"....

The first red bulb" is actually for kids. It's a four piece table and chairs that folds away so it is out of the way when not in use - which is the key to all of this furniture.

Next is a kitchenette designed for urban living. It is compact, fun and easy to maintain. This is not for kids - it's actually a full size eating solution and was actually conceptualized pre-IKEA.

Now we approach the "scoop" circular sofa/bed from Italian manfacturer Saba. I forsee a sheet fitting issue, however a king size will tuck nicely into this..... or if you sew - well add some elastic to a queen sheet all the way around it.

And our final option is from bonbon Trading. This is an integrated / patented mechanism that transforms the sofa into a bunk bed..... guests coming? Now this is one useful setup - for just about anyone

A True Green Environment

How green is my garden? These are some creative ways to become a little more green than other companies, take for example the pictures above from the world headquarters of AstraZeneca’s office in Sweden designed by Michael Hellgren. This is a great example of bringing green all the way into our environment at work. I can imagine that the air has a distinctly fresh feel and scent in this office complex.

What's UP?

What's UP?

Enveloping the room is the specialty of those infamous event decor companies we see at shows like the Northwest Event Show, so thought we would inspire you with a glimpse of some of their handy work.

Just about the time you think you have thought of everything to set the atmosphere, step back and think "Up". Right now that's even easier with the release of the movie UP, by Disney. Do you ever walk into a room that has been set and feel surrounded by some special mood? All of us have and there is a good chance it has everything to do with including the ceiling.

Recently on our wedding blog, "Lucky In Love" we shared the inspiration of a venue reset by Jolene Jang and husband Vinh. That amazing room transformation was completed by Prop Gallery West.

Depending on what type of room you are visualizing, or if you just plan want their inspiration, we strongly suggest contacting PJ Hummel and Co, Robinson Designs, Rented Elegance or Balloon Masters. If you can think it - let them do it!

Something To Really Smile About . . .

We rarely write about our personal lives on this blog, but there comes a time when you just need to toot your own horn once in a while. At B&E, we are much more than co-workers, we are a family. Beyond what we do in the office, we care about each other's lives, and support each other through the highs and lows of everyday life. Today I am happy to report one of those highs.

Alexis Pellegrini, who has worked for B&E for seven years, and her husband Peter, recently turned their 8 year dream into a reality. Peter, an orthodontist, opened his first solo practice in Everett, WA on August 3rd. We've watched the two of them stay focused as Peter trekked through four years of dental school at the University of Washington, and three more years for his orthodontic residency at Oregon Health Science University.

Now they begin a new chapter as business owners of a beautiful practice in Everett. Alexis, of course, remains a part of our B&E team, and it has been great to see how the skills she has learned working with us have been able to help develop Dr. Pellegrini's web and marketing materials.

We wish them many years of success!

Learn more about Dr. Pellegrini at www.everettbraces.com

Penny Pickett Simmons
General Manager at B&E

The way It "could" have been

At 47 PLUS years old, and still cruising around Seattle, the Monorail was the image of what was to be, or in this case what not to be. . . In honor of the concept and the hope it carried, we are bringing you other monorails from across various countries.
The Cabintaxi German of 1973 is based on the start of the monorails already tested. Then next to that is the black and white monorail that for most people in the US, was indeed the "future" - the Disneyland Monorail.
Thanks to Popular Mechanics we found some great concepts fully intended to eventually carry passengers across the entire country - with comfort, speed and ease. . Italy had their own concept as well. However, for those of us from this region, our heart still belongs to the Monorail running through EMP, from Seattle Center to the Westlake Mall. Not too bad for a soon to be antique - isn't that what it becomes when it officially hits "50"? If you haven't been up on the Monorail lately it is still worthy and what a view - a great way to get the overview of downtown Seattle. Here's hoping the City doesn't try to sell it on eBay.

Go Froggie......Green is for Frogs