I love it when you talk design

[susandennis]

This just in from Sheri:

I also picked up some great Ralph Lauren paint samples today. I'll be
adding in some other paint colors to go with the R.L. paint.

I am going to find carpet tomorrow.

Found some fabulous/exciting/cool loft pieces.

I will finish up space planning/furniture concept ideas in next couple of
days.

We should then be ready to meet and discuss concepts, paint colors, carpet
and maybe more!

I think we're looking at mid-week next week. How does that sound? What
days next week (other than Monday) work for you?

Last night I was sitting there looking at my now very sad living room - the carpet is still disgustingly stained, the throw rugs no longer cover the worst parts, the walls are dingy and now the furniture is a mess - some of the shelves are empty and dusty and others are disorganized and dusty. There are boxes everywhere.

And I need to do my taxes which will cost me some substantial buckos.

I was bummed.

Then this morning, I get Sheri's not (above) and I'm right back in the saddle again. All jazzed up and ready to go.

Of course, I wrote her back and suggested Tuesday afternoon (that's upper mid-week, doncha think?)... I'm going to get those taxes done Saturday morning so I will know the damage. And then it will be back to packing up and purging once again.

Yahoooo!

The Ralph Lauren paint reference is some very beautiful suede paint he has in his collection. I'm pretty sure I want that for my bathroom. But, I'm looking forward to what Sheri has up her designer sleeve!

Comments

[ruralrob.livejournal.com]

Meirion (emjaybaxter) who paints interiors as a sideline has used that RL suede finish, as well as some of the other RL paint effects. I think he would approve (although they aren't cheap.)

[susandennis]

Oh I'm so glad to hear that he would approve. I love the look of that linen finish. The bathroom isn't that big so maybe it won't be way too much. But, if it is, we'll go with plan b and use the cost delta to pay taxes. Ha!

[susandennis]

Doncha just LOVE that stuff?! It really does make you want to touch the wall.

I just got confirm... Me and Sheri - 3 p.m. Tuesday. My house. YAHOOO!

[rivendweller.livejournal.com]

You're self employed, right? The taxes would be unbelievable, I know. Thank goodness you live in Washington. No state income tax. In California self-employed people pay roughly 50% of their bottom line in federal and state income taxes and self employment taxes. Do you prepare the return yourself or have it done?

[susandennis]

I'm scared to death about the self employed thing. What about if I'm just not employed at all and picking up change with odd jobs on the side...???? I do have a W-2 from this year (January only - old job). And yes, no state taxes helps. Having the new deduction for sales tax helps. I plan on doing the taxes myself. It's probably not smart but I don't know anybody I trust so what the heck. Some day I'm going to the slammer for tax fraud, I'm sure. I probably should have timed it to coincide with Martha's term. Another opportunity missed.

[keelamonster.livejournal.com]

You'll do fine.
The truth is that most of the tax preparation software makes it really straightforward and simple.
Also, the IRS has a lot of advice on their website and you can always call and get help if you get mired down. They want you to do it right, so they don't have to audit you, so they'll help you out if you need it.

[susandennis]

You know what? You don't comment often in my journal (and I don't in yours for that matter) but every time you do, you make me feel better about something! Thanks!!

[rivendweller.livejournal.com]

Ha! You'll do fine. Just don't leave any red flags for an audit. For example, lots of self employed people try to deduct 100% of their automobile expense on Schedule C. That's a flag, because everyone uses their car a *little bit* for personal things, like going to the grocery store.

Seriously, you should consider using a CPA. I nearly always saved my clients lots of money by scaring up legal deductions they didn't know they had.

[susandennis]

If I could find a nice, friendly CPA I could trust, I'd turn every bit of everything right over. But, alas, I've tried. I tried last tax year. I tried again in January. I'm just not looking in the right places, I guess.

One of the reasons I want to get it done this weekend is so that if I do hit a major snag and need to bail, I can lower my CPA requirements and go begging.

[rivendweller.livejournal.com]

I understand. CPAs are as different as any other profession. And high fees are no guarantee of a good job, either. My fees were reasonable compared to others in the area, yet I bent over backwards for my clients (see, I considered myself the best! ha ha). If you go with a CPA with lots of experience, chances are good your return will be shuffled off to a subordinate. And pay high fees to boot. If you go with someone new in the profession, they might make rookie mistakes, but have lower fees.

The best way to find a good one? Get a referral from someone you trust.

[susandennis]

I figured that was the best way and that's where I ran into a pickle. No one I asked would recommend their CPA. They all had problems - too expensive, too slow, won't return my calls, on and on. It was very sad. But having typed that, I just remembered someone I didn't ask before. hmmmmm

[fj.livejournal.com]

My home painter told me he doesn't like the durability of RL paints, and always advised his clients who fell in love with RL colors and brand image to just pick from the RL swatches but not get hung up on the brand -- he'd just custom mix the selected colors from the ever-durable painter's choice Benjamin Moore. If RL paint now has special finishes built in you must have, consider them, but if the finish is just a paint effect applied with standard RL paints, get Benjamin Moore equivalent paint colors and apply the effect as it would be with RL.

[susandennis]

It's not the color it's the texture! It looks like the wall is covered in suede! It's beautiful. I think it's pretty special. And worth considering... But in light of what you are saying, maybe we restrict the use...

[minimac.livejournal.com]

Our front room is a finish done in Ralph Lauren River Rock paint. It's the one finish that I actually did in our house. M has used Ralph lauren paints in her work extensively. They quit making the line that she used the most...I forget the name of it. It had a satin look to it. Anyway, we really love their line of paints!

[minimac.livejournal.com]

One more thing, M swears first and foremost by Benjamin Moore paint. That is definitely her number one choice for all of her finishes. But if you are looking for the suede look, you can't beat RL river rock or their suede line.

[susandennis]

I love all this info!!! This is wonderful. Thanks!