Seven Things

An (almost) monthly letter from my personal life, sharing all things I'm into, what I've been working on, and some special things I've found.  Inspiration, Eating, Listening, Reading, Watching, Working and Making - all in one joyful Friday morning missive. 

Zach Ramelan

WHO AM I?

volume 5 - 2024

OLDER ISSUES

JLF Architects, New Year Dinner, Samba Essentials, Day in the Life, Hmmm..., DIY Shop, Paint by Number

Gil Schafer, Nuts & Berries, T-Pain Live, Cozy Movies, Circe, DIY Shop, Garden Seed

Jeffrey Dungan, Roast Chicken, TV on the Radio, Baseball, The Inheritance, Vintage Stunner, Digging Dirt

2023

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2024

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volume 4 - 2023

OLDER ISSUES

Midjourney, Kale Salads, Stromae, Rodeo, Braiding Sweetgrass, Writing, Settling In

Printed Media, Stuffed Peppers, Stretching, Baseball, At Home, DIY Shop, Preservation

NEWER  ISSUES

2023

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volume 3 - 2022

Design Books, Carnitas, Siri Playlists, Resin Videos, Intercepted, Vacation Homes, Candle-palooza

Dry Garden, Onion Soup, Ambient YouTube, The Great S2, Out of Office, 70s & 80s, Backsplash

Arch Digest, Lamb Dinner, Joy Oladokun, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, 10000 Doors, 70s Fixers, Re-Upholstery

Texas Modern, Grilled Chicken, Break My Soul, Trixie Motel, By The Book, Our House!!!, Lounge Covers

Western Ranch, Tofu Katsu, 2022 Playlist, Andor, Newsletters, FORTY! HOUSES!, Downsizing

2023

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NEWER  ISSUES

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Shavonda Garnder, Pan Bagnat, 2021 Playlist, Tour de France, Home Books, Farmhouses, Wallpaper

Pinterest, Salmon Tzatziki, Flow, Golden, Losing Your Season, Reno Updates, Wood Vase

The Gymnasts, Afternoon Cafe, Olivia Dean, SPORTS!, Poetry, A Whole Website, Pillow Trim

OLDER ISSUES

volume 2 - 2021

Banyan Bridges, Steak Salad, Barefoot Acoustic, Loki, Domino, Mid-Century Prairie, Roman Shades

Signed, Blake, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Billie Eilish, American In Paris, What It's Like, R+R, "Wood Look"

Tory Birch SS 2022, Roasted Veg, Yebba, Minority Report, Boonsboro Inn, Cali Ranches, Candles

Carmeon on TV, Chickpea Caesar, Roofers, Loki Assembled, Country Living, Mod vs. Ranch, Coffee

Amber Lewis, Chicken & Rice, Chris Stapelton, Summer of Soul, The Season, 70s Ranches, Headboard

2021 Fellows, Butternut Stew, Cozy Weather, Mystery Menu, Meg Ryan Fall, Porch Ideas, Office Chair

DeVOL Kitchens, Chicken Soup, Sting Live, '86 Mets, This Land, Colorado Home, Lamp Shades

Pinterest, Pie Crust, Nancy Wilson, Food Tube, Re-Reads, Miami Modern, Maintenance

Pinterest, Chicken & Rice, 2021 Playlist, Loki, Bombshell, 30 Houses, Patio Updates

NEWER  ISSUES

2023

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2024

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NEWER  ISSUES

volume 2 - 2021

The Misfit House, Sourdough Bread, Beyonce, Luke Towan, Aminatou Sow, Quarterly Updates, Lampshades

Thom's Lake House, Sushi (Burrito Bowls), Jardin, Secret Sports Society, Creative Living, Non-Profit Designs, Plans

Beata Heuman, Takeout, Adam Baldych, American Style, essaying, Non-Profit Designs, A Nest

Daveed & Emmy, Roasted Chicken, Permanent Vacation, Star Trek: TNG, La Veuve, MC Exteriors, Random Cooking

OLDER ISSUES

Alicia Cook, Fries & Greens, I Miss You (Remix), Fred & Ginger, Western Ranch Houses, Ranch-A-Palooza, Embroidery

Floorplans of the Past, Marmalade Salmon, Pointer Sisters, Karen Brit Chic, A Table, FL / TX, Fringe Decor

Josie Lewis, Steak Dinner, Headwaters, Red Sox, Love In Color, FL House / TX House, No Progress

House of Brinson, Chicken Tostadas, Thelonious Monk, Marx Brothers, Magazines, Modern Mid-Century, Cleaning

Michelle Norris, Burrito Bowl, Change My Mind, Monty Don, The Shopping Cure, FRINGE!, Also, FRINGE!

Brian Paquette, Cod with Polenta, Hot Chip, Escape to the Chateau, Getting a Table, Fringe, Still, Fringe 

Rachel Cargle, Veg Sandwiches, Romantic Classical, The Nevers, THE BOOK PILE, Website Updates, Organizing

Some gentle reminders and small moments of joy.

2023

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2024

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Pinterest Predictions, Marcella's Bolognese, Unwind, War & Peace, Black Romantic Art, Busy Work, Tile Backsplash

Pierce and Ward, Winter Salmon, Song Exploder, Bridgerton, Bucatini Shortage, Writing, A Nest

Don't Look Away

NEWER  ISSUES

volume 2 - 2021

Yellowtrace, 5 Minute Meals, Ravi Shankar, High Society, What Kind of Woman, Website Tweaks, Bar Soaps

Amanda Gorman, Fresh Fruit, Nickel Creek, WandaVision, Dan Pfeiffer, Materials Library, New Art

Shavonda Garnder, Lemon Cake, Matriarchs, West Wing, Warmth of Other Suns, Bedrooms, Trellis

Brigette Romanek, Midwest Tacos, Bill Withers, Crazy Rich Asians, Warmth of Other Suns, DIY Design, Table Cover

Far From Cypress, Dumplings, Til I Fall Asleep, WandaVision, Wow No Thank You, Two Houses, Quick Cleans

Dabito, Popeyes Fish Sammy, Jazz Chill, Clueless, Bermuda's Wild Side, Digital Products, Throw Pillow

Abigail Ahern, Farm Style Teriyaki, 2021 Playlist, The Magicians, The Rose Garden, Two More Homes, Afternoon Tea

Style Crone, Carla's Tartar Sauce, White Noise, House & Home, Smooth Brains, A Wee Break, Patio Set-Up

OLDER ISSUES

2023

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OLDER ISSUES

#isolationcreation, Fancy Dinner, 2020 Playlist, Ted Lasso, Jasmine Guillory, Email Consults, Pillows

Hood Century, Pumpkin Rigatoni, Linda Diaz, Bluey, Barefoot Contessa, Boats!  And Stuff!, Banquette Paint

Micro Weddings, Maple BBQ Salmon, Coffee House, Ted Lasso, The Dry Down, Ranch Homes, Bedroom Futzing

IKEA 2021 Catalog, Steak Dinner, Freya Ridings, Reign, Bittersweet Home, Ranch Home, Candle Testing

Sketch 42, Butternut Risotto, Acoustic Chill, Practical Magic, Magazines, Clean-Up Break, Vase Refinishing

The Modern House, Zuppa Toscana, Birdsong, Age of Adaline, Made for Living, Digital Renderings, Garden Prep

Tuesday Bassen, Australian Meat Pie, Ella Fitzgerald, Ghosts, On Forgiveness, Non-Profit Graphics, Euphoric Cleaning

Hannah Cecil-Gurney, Chicken & Dumplings, How to Focus, Impressive Cookies, Joyful Cleaning, Merch Design, Coffee

amp.wata, Best Cookies Ever, 2020 Playlist, Gosford Park, Voting in America, Merch Design, Christmas Tree

JAA Collages, Buffalo Tacos, Viral Hits, Discovery, Lucille Clifton, Year-End Admin, So Many Things

Timothy Long, Coconut Cod, Verve Remixed 2, Dua Lipa Tiny Desk, Garden & Gun, Email Consults, Carmel Corn

Vaccines, Chicken Curry, Mellow Days, The Crown, 2021 Reno Trends, Ch-Ch-Changes, Office Refresh

NEWER  ISSUES

volume 1 - 2020

2023

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CLJ Cottage Exterior, Chicken Chili, Melancholy Strings, GBBO, Key of Knowledge, Boats! And Stuff!, Art Tests

Loewe 2021, Peach Caprese, Who Is Jill Scott?, Cheyney McNight, The Heir Affair, Website Updates, Research

Sarah's Basement, Lettuce Wraps, Desole - Gorilaz, Taste The Nation, The Cooking Gene, Rambler Phase 2, Cab Org

The Nap Ministry, Chicken Tostadas, Superbloom, Baseball, Women Who Read, Rambler Final Touches, Mirror Paint

ColorMix 2021, Sheet Pan Nachos, Melancholy Piano, Japanese Game Show, Field Guide, Ranch Blog, OD Lighting

Brandon Maxwell, Corn Cod & Sage, Heaven, The Crown, Luster, Email Consults, Anxiety Cleaning

DNC Roll Call, Bob's Oatmeal, Vol De Nuit, Good Omens, Endless Offseason, Frictionless UX, Home Office

BHLDN Sizing, Carribean Bowl, Mozart, Fave Movies, Surge Capacity, Checkout Process, Piano Bench Paint

CB2 Tabletop, Dipped Apricots, Lou Reed, Tour de France, Nina Compton, Marine Design, Bedroom Updates

Cedric Smith, Farm Style Teriyaki, Fatoumata Diawara, Movies at Home, Culture Study, Marine Design, Piano

Mari Andrew, Cabbage & Kielbasa, Sylvan Esso, Tour de France, Backordered, Email Consultations, Pantry Jars

Heidi Caillier, Scones, Dave Matthews Band, Stump Solha, Designing History, Boats! And Stuff!, Patio Updates

NEWER  ISSUES

volume 1 - 2020

2023

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Peter Braithwaite, Burgers, Hamilton, Gone In The Dark, Party of Two, Playroom, Writing

Cecile Davdovici, Sourdough Crackers, Future Nostalgia, Phryne & Crew, The Joy of It, Blogopalooza, Headboard

Nancy Meyers, Collard Greens, Bach Cello, Motherland, The Art of the Draft, Blog, Soft of..., Embroidery

About Time, Tisanes & 'Ades, Piano Chill, Star Wars, Becoming, A-Frame Refresh, Painted Canvas

St. Louis Mid-Mod, Boil for 2, Petals for Armor, A New Dawn, Cookbooks, A-Frame Refresh, Pickles

Stoop Wedding, Parmesan Risotto, Paradise, The Great, Heaven and Earth, A-Frame Refresh, Embroidery

SpaceX Aesthetic, Apple Turnovers, Rainy Day Jazz, Crew Dragon Launch, The Power, A-Frame, Abstract Painting

Punk History, Civil Eats, Thirst Aid Kit, Black Experiences, Baratunde's Books, Brain & Body, Donations

Bisa Butler, Gateau au Yaourt, This Is How I Feel, Thomas Crown, Jasmine Guillory, Final A-Frame, Wallpaper

Nina Ramos Art, Texas Red Chili, Get Up Summer, Charade, Medina Grillo, California Rambler, Storage Closet

Mikel Welch, Crunchwrap Supreme, Piano Bar, House & Garden TV, Jubilee, California Rambler, Sugar Scrub Cubes

Fenty Beauty, To-Hot-To-Cook Board, Podcasts, ...In The Shadows, Short Stories, E-Books, Digital Time

OLDER ISSUES

NEWER  ISSUES

volume 1 - 2020

2023

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Knot & Bow, Fancy Dinner, 60s Soundtracks, Alice Guy-Blache, Ultimate Gaslighting, Reno Round 2, Shoe Cabinet

Erin Heimstra, Oatmeal Cookies, Morning Mix, Monty Don, Material World, West-South Updates, Backdrops

Juju Just, Turkey Dinner, Birds of Prey, Picard, Too Everything, Warhol Portraits, Candles

Titus Kaphar, Enchiladas Verde, #Nature, The French Dispatch, Edna Lewis, Outdoor Decor, Woodworking

Studio McGee, Kent Mangoes, Zero 7, Derry Girls, Nature of Home, Fab Fringe, Sofa Pillows

Uniqlo SS20, Spicy Ramen, The Romantics, TCM, 2 Bossy Dames, Bits & Bobs, Linen Dress

Domino SP20, Pork Tacos, Ghen Co Vy, The Prisoner (1968), Magazines, Rental Renovation, So Much Soap

Batuu, Schnacks, Reply All, Darcy & Lizzie, Recommentunde, Rental Renovation, Lotion Bars

The New Normal: How to Stay at Home all the Time and Not Go Crazy; Ways to Help Others

#isolationcreation, Bread, Get Up, MCU, Its Grief, Storage Closets, Embroidery

Cirque du Soleil, Salt Fat Acid Heat, Past Perfect, Baseball, American Royals, SEO, Green Screen

Daniel Kanter, Weekend Brunch, My Analog Journal, Westworld, Elements of a Home, DIY Library, Face Masks

SS20 Couture, Moroccan Salmon, Upbeat Chill, The Elliots, Bridgerton, Fab Fringe, Shower Bars

NEWER  ISSUES

volume 1 - 2020

2023

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Hello, I'm Mel, and I'm so glad you're here!

but, Before we get any further...

chris barbalis

  • My long-term INFJ life goals involve a small, secluded, modern mountain cottage with really good wi-fi for work, a cozy screened porch and a generously sized hot tub.

Someday, somewhere...

  • Speaking of unfortunate sports affiliations, I was born a Nebraska College Football fan, and believe that every year can be a rebuilding year. On Saturdays in the Fall you will find me yelling at whatever B1G or SEC game happens to be on TV that day. Sports yelling is a particular joy.

I genuinely enjoy (watching) sports...

  • I had the misfortune to fall madly in love with a Red Sox fan, and we've been married for over 20 years. Brian is the sounding board to all my crazy ideas, the person who makes me laugh the hardest in the world, and the reason I've seen Star Trek: The Motion Picture more than 10 times.

I married my college BFF...

  • But  I reached my truest form when I became an Auntie.

I don't have kids...

  • These are the mechanisms I use to keep my mental health in line.  I love a list. 

I'm a maker & an organizer...

  • Smart and snappy romance novels of all genres
  • Fancy at-home dinners for absolutely no reason
  • Using credit card miles to upgrade any travel experience

My Not-At-All-Guilty Pleasures...

  • And equity. Please feel free to unfollow if you don't, or if you're not open to learning how do better along with me. No need to announce your departure.

I believe in science...

  • I'm grew up in the West (Montana), but have lived in the South (Georgia & Florida) for a very long time, which means I now eat my chicken fingers with both ranch AND hot sauce.

I'm Western & Southern...

  • Mostly exterior materials and specializing in mid-century & ranch homes. I used to design Yachts everyday, and still do sometimes. My goal with design is to help you make sense of it all, empower you to feel confident in your own decisions about your house, and to make the world feel just a little bit more pulled together.

I design houses...

GET STARTED NOW

You'll have someone on your side with the expertise and the vision to bring your dream home to life, increasing the value of your property and giving you a home you truly love.

Let's create your dream home, together.

not quite ready to DESIGN-IT-YOURSELF?

anthony chiado