I saw Bare Minerals at Target this week. It was a "Starter" kit, though, not the individual types of makeup. When I first saw Bare Minerals/Bare Esscentuals on TV, I just did not believe that a dry powder could give that kind of coverage, could stay on my skin until I took it off and could be so good for my skin, too. Sorry if I sound like a commercial, but I am really a satisfied customer and would never go back to the old liquid or cream foundations. Oh - and I have used Revlon and L'Oreal mineral stuff - they do not even come close to Bare Minerals/Bare Esscentuals. I'm middle aged and have always had problem skin, but now I actually get compliments on it.

I know you have quite a bit to read through here already, so I will try to keep this brief. Because of the doorways leading into your room, your sofa layout is most definitely the most practical, and having the TV over the fireplace provides with the best view from both seating locations so I would stick to your gut on that one. With regard to the tile, I would make sure to select a dark grout that blends in well. Without seeing the actual tile, my best guess is that a taupe would still provide you with a bit of contrast which you like in your inspiration picture without creating too much of a color difference to be bothersome while watching TV. When DH held up the cardboard over the fireplace, it was perfect. My suggestion is to get a TV mount that tilts so that you can have it slightly facing downwards to maximize viewing comfort. You can also certainly have a wood mantlepiece. However, for all of this to look great, I think you need to extend your tile to the corners where the wall bends. If you have a professional tile installer do the installation they can cut the tiles at an angle so it ends right into the wall. Otherwise, you can order a tile liner for the edges for a finished look. I attached a picture of a fireplace I did in grey with the TV up high with a tilt mount so you can see an example of it in action. If you have any questions feel free to check out my site! www.designmacs.com or my blog on Facebook at the Design MACS page Here is a link that might be useful: Design MACS

I remember reading that...but it's still just as funny.... I am completely surprised that I didn't find a post from me on there...My DH has done a few things during our 42 years that I tell on him every now and then. patti

I agree with Alisande and others on the car commercials, seeming to promote racing / speeding, what a message to send! :( Personally I can't stand the Progressive commercials; I find them highly annoying, and it's really time for an update. All the white, Flo's make-up, and it's not funny or entertaining at all. Just get them out of here! I do love the Bud commercials. There was especially one (maybe it was for Coke, ha!) during Super Bowl a few years back, where these guys on the road notice a truck that had accidentally left a side door open. They're reaching, trying to get closer, looking like they're trying to grab from the truck. Instead, as the one guy finally gets close enough, he pulls the door shut! Helpful citizen, that's great! Regarding pharmaceutical commercials, on one hand I wish they weren't legal and on the other I think they are useful in informing people that there are actually real, very serious side effects connected to some of them. And I'm not against (legal) drugs, but I'm cautious. But one time I literally thought one commercial was a comedy-show parody and not for real (I came into the room while hubby was watching, didn't know it was a commercial break). The list of side effects was so horrific I thought it was funny, thinking *they* (the comedians) really got the point across well. "If you have anxiety, would you not rather be deeply depressed and suicidal, and most likely dead before the week is over???" Then it turned out to be a real commercial for a real drug! I have a hard time understanding why anyone, after hearing that list, would want to even entertain the thought of using that specific drug. It was so over the line I can't believe this drug ever was approved, but that's a different topic. It was just jaw dropping, though.