Dear Melissa,

Happy All Hallows Eve! I've been amazed by the proliferation of Halloween goods, decorations, foods and more. From the Spirit Stores to the latest mini-food offerings for trick or treaters from Frito-Lay, mini-bags of potato chips. It is spooky how much consumerism is centered around a one night holiday and mainly for kids! What if we took a lesson from mini-portions and dined on them year around. Imagine how much slimmer we might be instead of supersizing?

James Ray and The Secret! Well to his credit, he barely mentioned The Secret, but did share a lot of pertinent and relevant information in his Harmonic Wealth Weekend. It was refreshing and filled in some important gaps. I was intrigued by his frequent use of movie clips and contemporary and oldies hits to keep it all on track. It certainly kept the energy up and provided an easy tool for us all to relate to.

Fall out! I've been using the final slow down in my travel to clean out my office and soon my garage and storage unit. It is astounding what I don't need anymore and how something as simple as a regular cleaning of the email inbox and delete files can do! Have you ever gotten an email bounced because a box was too full? Clear yours out now, you may even unearth a few gems that you still have time to act on. Also e-file your desktop. My intern was so surprised you could see my screen! Cluttered vision makes it much harder to see . . .

Live well and Succeed by Design,
MG

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."
~ Vince Lombardi

Retailers Scared by Internet Voices

It is no longer Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware) but instead Vendor Beware as in this age of the internet with blogs, websites, rants, and youtube it is all too easy to become truly vocal about a poor customer experience. I am careful in most newsletters making it clear that it is my take and experience and will always be so. However, I realize having had a couple of truly unfortunate experiences lately that perhaps it is time to be more specific in sharing details and results. I make a point with my clients of ensuring satisfaction even if it is something we had little or no control over, (think Nordstrom!) Few seem to be as cognizant.

How long should drapery panels last? This was a question I recently was posed. I had a sheer in my dining room, and in only 18 months, the panel shredded itself vertically. This was truly the strangest textile reaction I've ever seen. My first thought was that it was silk (sunlight would destroy that), but I double checked and as expected and specified it is polyester. A similar fabric in the living room (same exposure) is in perfect condition. I contacted the vendor, Pindler & Pindler, mailed in my drapery panel and was informed it was out of warranty. Warranty was a year! Not even my clients change their drapery that often. It seemed reasonable to me to expect a panel with no movement (stationary for those in the trade) and constructed of polyester, no animal or human interference to last 5+ years.

I asked for at least a 50% reduction in replacement cost as I couldn't locate a suitable alternative to coordinate with the side panels. They came back, after my sending the goods fedex at my expense, over a week later and offered me 10% because I was a good client. Gee, what would I have gotten if not a good client? Nothing? I have always enjoyed working with Pindler & Pindler, particularly the Atlanta showroom, but I am extremely disappointed and think that this is an inappropriate and unacceptable offer. My window is bare and it is a front room. No, sheets are not an option! Right now the mummy shadow taped up is working, but really not sure it's festive enough for the upcoming holiday season. Ideas??

Tricks and Tips

Well, I went and did it this year! I couldn't find my last year's blow ups (can you say too much stuff in storage?!) So, I indulged in a new one. The Grim Reaper with his Scythe at Arms length is too great! Combined with the glow footprints in the flower bed, the orange lit trees on the lawn, the peeper lights in the bushes, the cobwebs in the trees, and oh so much more. . . .I'm ready for the Big Night! Actually the night itself is likely to be a bit anticlimactic, but I am hosting a post birthday/preholiday bash shortly.

So for your best Halloween tips and tricks check out: www.101halloweenideas.com.

Valenza - Brookhaven (Atlanta), GA

The latest addition to restauranteurs Michel and Tonya Arnette's refreshing take on European style continental dining here in Atlanta; their first is my ever favorite Haven at the opposite end of the block. Valenza replaces the late night Mix, it was a bit young for my taste! This has the heart and spirit of a warm Tuscan bistro with plastered walls, rustic oak and pine accents, and wrought iron chandeliers.

The menu is a treat with the biggest, juiciest, most flavorful mussels appetizer I've ever had (and that is nationally!) Salads are crisp and creative augmented by colorful beets, baby lettuces, goat cheese and more. Entrees encompass a lively range of pasta, tagarin with peeky toe crab meat, chanterelles, cippolini and basil; risotto with mushrooms and parmesan; ravioli with roasted butternut squash, pecans, brown butter and sage. Meat dishes sport a meaty osso bucco, roasted chicken, or ribeye steak. My personal favorites are in the seafood with a delicious swordfish with borlotti beans, pancetta, and oven melted tomatoes or their silver hake. It is tough to save room for dessert but do it if you dare! You don't want to miss peach crostada, sweet corn zeppole, or ricotta and pinenut tart to name but a few of the decadent creations.

Valenza
1441 Dresden Drive
Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30319
phone: 404 969 3233
www.valenzarestaurant.com

For recently widowed celebrated scifi author (John Cusack) his path to finding his way back from grief and loneliness is to adopt a young boy (Bobby Coleman) who just doesn't fit in, determined to claim he is from Mars and only visiting this planet to learn about humanoids. It is a well made match and Cusack is able to share the magical and trying story in his writing to the chagrin of his agent (Platt) and publisher (brilliant cameo by Angelica Huston).

The stage is set, of course, in Los Angeles. Cusack has a divine home in the hills, very Frank Lloyd Wright in look and sensibility. His sister plays well his sister who is completely against his adopting as a single parent. Fortunately Harlee (Peet) is his late wife's best friend and regularly comes to the rescue. Sparks fly but briefly, long enough to make us consider a sequel . . . The Chronicles of Dracoban? Yes, there is a happy ending so to speak, but it is not as trite and pat as most and the cast is very good.

Surprising that the lead minor got such short shrift in the credits. Cusack shines as the quirky writer, not entirely comfortable with his success and not willing to sell out to keep it. Joan is getting trapped in “perfect Mommy” roles, she'll need to break out soon or risk a very promising career. Peet is lovely, and this is first time she really carries off the role, however supporting. Platt is amusing, a bit big for such a small role. Huston stole it in the cameo!