Nick & Trudy Vandekar

I had the privilege today to present Candidate Sean Moir with a check from SERPAC in support of his campaign to be elected as Tredyffrin Township Supervisor. Sean has been vocal in his support in Preserving Resources, Stream Restoration at Crabby Creek, Sidewalk improvements in the Tredyffrin Township and has served on several committees. for more information visit www.SeanMoir.org and remember to vote on November 3rd 2009.

Saturday we went with some friends to a Chinese Restaurant a short way off the Main Line called the Han Dynasty in Royersford. It is located just off the 422 in the Limerick Square Shopping Center. If you like Szechuan food this is a great placce, the food is spicy hot and heavily seasoned. Our friends had eaten at this restaurant before and in the companion restaurant in Exton in the Exton Plaza.

It is a BYOB, so bringing some cold beers or a white wine that is crisp and that can deal with the spices is a good idea. We started with some Dumplings in Chili oil, a cold noodle dish and some meat buns. all of these were excellent and mildly spiced.

For our main course we ordered some beer suace duck, this uses the restaurant tea smoked duck and adds a sauce.

This was hot but not overbearing on the spice scale, with lots of vegetables. We also had a dish of pea shoots whcih were salty and delicious. Along with these our friends ordered a dry pepper chicken which was covered with red chillis and szechuan peppers, this was delicious, hot without being overbearing.

Along with these we had a lovely fish dish in a hot sauce using flounder that I found personally delicious.

This was also packed with leeks, onions,and bamboo shoots. If you don't like spicy food, they can adjust the seasonings for you, our friends like their food spicy, it was a bit overwhleming for Trudy, but what i noticed as left, having drunk a lot of jasmine tea, that the heat was gone, unlike some Indian curries that the heat stays with you for a long time. My mouth was fine and I am ready for another adventure enjoying the different cuisine of the Main Line, but I think it will be something a little less spicy next time.

Another interior design post from our series by Deborah Bettcher of Decorating Den Interiors

A beautiful home doesn't just happen. Good decorating is the result of good planning and should start by developing a comprehensive, detailed decorating plan.

What should be included in your decorating plan? Everything that needs to be done, including timing priorities and budget. It's vitally important to write down everything and be as specific as possible.

Most people feel they need assistance in creating and implementing their decorating plan. Professional interior decorators have the talent, experience and specialized knowledge to help you pull it all together. They can also save you time and money. After all, the most costly furnishings you will ever buy are the ones that prove to be mistakes! Here are a few suggestions that will help you understand your own preferences and prepare you to work with a decorator.

Begin by collecting decorating magazines - or design books. Consider cutting out photographs of furniture, styles, window treatments, color schemes, floor and wall coverings, etc., that appeal to you.

Then, compile everything you've collected into a notebook and organize it into sections for each room you'll be doing. If you chose to work with a decorator, your preplanning will make it much easier for you to communicate your likes and dislikes.

Evaluate your present furnishing and decide what you would like to keep, eliminate, and re-do. Write down the various items in your notebook. What will be your overall color-scheme? Does the carpeting need to be replaced? Which room do you want completed first? What budget have you established for each decorating project you wish to undertake. Knowing this information will prove valuable in working with your chosen interior decorator.

And remember - no matter what your lifestyle - your home should be a reflection of your tastes - your likes and your interests!

Deborah Bettcher, Decorating Den Interiors,
Studio:610.964.8403
www.DecDens.com/dbdesign

*Making the World More Beautiful-One Room at a Time*

One of the things I love about our area is that there are so many things to do in Chester County and the surrounding area. Restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, sports, movies, nature, hiking just to name a few

I recently came across Play-a-Round Golf in Malvern, PA. This is a unique concept that allows you to play golf and stay dry whatever the weather. I met with Steve Graves Sr. the President of Play-a-Round Golf this week and the video below gives a short overview of the facility.

You can use it a sa driving range or play 38 different courses without having to travel. Play-a-Round Gold is having a Fall Harvest Charity Classic for which you can sign up right now. But whatever time you can enjoy a round of golf, wind, rain or shine without getting wet, hot or bothered. Give them a try.

And if you want a home on a local course just give us a call and we will help you find the perfect place.

To continue our decorating series. Any ideas what the universal decorating question might be? Well, here it is!

"I want to redecorate but need help picking a color/s. I just don't know what color/s to use"!

So, here are a few color tips that I hope you find helpful in beginning the color selection process. And, don't forget, a professional decorator can provide you with valuable assistance in making these all important color decisions!

1. Decide on your dominant color. You might want to repeat that color elsewhere - at least once.
2. Use colors unequally for better color proportion and balance.
3. Color-connecting adjoining rooms is a must!
4. Stay with light colors for a feeling of spaciousness. Lighter color tones reflect light rays instead of absorbing them.
5. Bright, strong colors have the opposite effect. They create a warm, cozy feeling especially in large rooms
6. Emphasize desirable architectural details with strong color
7. Camouflage architectural defects with neutral paint colors.
8. Notice how colors are affected by their neighbors, and be guided by what you see.
9. Take wood tones into consideration - they are apart of your color scheme.
10. Base your choice and use of warm and color colors on the atmosphere you wish to create.

I hope these few tips will give you some a bit of knowledge when working on developing your own personal color scheme. And remember, I'd be happy to help with your selections, as well as help you prevent costly mistakes!

For help with your decorating on the Main Line in Philadelphia call Deborah Bettcher of Decorating Den INTERIORS at 610.964.8403, www.DecDens.com/dbdesign Making the World More Beautiful-One Room at a Time