Home Design with Kevin Sharkey

I'd like to introduce to all of you my executive assistant, Chavo.

Chavo has been with me for almost a year now, and is an integral part of everyday life at Martha Stewart Living. Coincidentally, today is his birthday. Happy Birthday, Chavo!

Not too long ago, I gave Chavo several African violets to bring back to life. In just a few weeks he has really done an amazing job. They were dried up and dying, and now they're vibrant and healthy again.

Please have a look at how beautiful these violets are–thanks to Chavo.

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1 This is Chavo, happy to be giving his violets their daily check-up.

2 Look at their colors!

3

4 A close up gives you a sense of how healthy these plants really are.

5

The African violet is a perennial flowering plant native to tropical parts of east Africa. When content and healthy, the violet is beautiful and sustainable. However, proper care and nurturing are essential for the violet's growth. Lots of indirect sunlight and steady temperatures around 70°F are preferable conditions for the plant. Over-watering is a common cause for concern, as the violet likes to stay moist, but should never be soggy. Have a look at a story on violets from Martha Stewart Living.

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1 Martha Stewart Living, May 2001.

2 Martha Stewart Living, May 2001.

3 Martha Stewart Living, May 2001.

4 Martha Stewart Living, May 2001.

5 Martha Stewart Living, May 2001.

6 Martha Stewart Living, May 2001.

7 Martha Stewart Living, May 2001.

And now, let's see what Chavo has to say about his "little babies."

Why are these African violets so special to you?

They were the first set of flowers that I've had to take care of as a job. You brought them in when they were dying. All of them were dead. No flowers. It became my job to keep them alive. It was a challenge, and you know me, I love a good challenge.

Would you say that you have a green thumb?

No. Absolutely not. I remember you saying to me, "Chavo, plants need water!" I had no idea about flowers. I think that's why you were challenging me with the violets, to become more aware of things outside scheduling and appointments. This is a job, too.

What is the secret to their success?

The secret is abundance of water and also the placement of the plants in sunlight–this is an amazing spot where nothing blocks their sun and they can be watched.

What is your advice to people attempting to grow and nurture plants?

It's all in the details. You just have to watch them, become aware of their needs. Now that I am aware, I can start to feel or sense when water is needed. I love them now!

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1 To water the violets, Chavo places them in a plastic bin for several hours.

2 He fills the bin with about an inch and a half of room temperature water.

3 Pay attention to the water level in the container.

4 He picks away at some of the yellowing leaves or decaying matter and checks the soil, to make sure it is moist.

5 A final shot of the plants in my office!

I have a housekeeping secret to share with you...

It all started with a gift I received from my friend Alexis upon moving into my current apartment.

We live in the same building which has floor to ceiling windows, so she thoughtfully gave me a squeegee window cleaning set. It came with a bucket, cleaning solution, and an extension rod that helped me clean the hard to reach upper reaches of the beautiful but challenging windows.

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1 (ettorecleaning.com)

2 (ettorecleaning.com)

3 (ettorecleaning.com)

Soon  enough, I found that squeegees could be used for so much more than cleaning windows. They're great for floors, showers and to quickly wash off counters.

Here are a few of my favorite products that will help make your surfaces squeaky, squeegee clean...

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1 This fun-colored squeegee brush is for cleaning up pet hair. (bissell.com)

2 This broom is good for cleaning up both dry and wet messes, and messes with a little bit of both. (containerstore.com)

3 This curved squeegee makes sure liquid messes will be well contained.

4 This shower squeegee comes with a handy hook that fits around the shower nozzle. (casabella.com)

5 A simple floor squeegee is good for cleaning up spills. (northerntool.com)

6 This combination brush and squeegee cleans up small messes. The squegee in the middle of the brush makes sure nothing is left behind. (bissell.com)

7 I actually own this sleek shower squeegee by Vipp. It's in my shower at home. (vipp.com)

8 I love that this squeegee has a microfiber pad on it. (casabella.com)

9 A stainless steel squeegee that would look in place in almost any kitchen. (oxo.com)

10 Another great squeegee for the shower. Easy to hang up and barely noticeable. (containerstore.com)

11 They call this brook the "bulldozer" which I find very fitting. (quickie.com)

Now that you've properly settled into summer and created an outdoor living space for your home, it's time to make good use of it.

One of my favorite entertaining ideas for summer is to host an outdoor film screening. It's an idea that is super easy to pull off. The first step is to get a portable projector. There are a lot on the market to choose from. I like this portable white model by Optoma.

For the screen, a simple, inexpensive white sheet will do.  Then, pop some popcorn, pull out some chairs and blankets, and you've got a fun and memorable summer party.

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1 This resort in the Maldives really knows the best spot for an alfresco film screening: poolside. (via travellerinspire.com)

2 Arranging hay bales is just one of many ways to create an outdoor theater. (Martha Stewart Living, July 2005)

3 A scene from "Cinema Paradiso".

4 A popcorn machine will provide enough snacks for a large group and it will give your movie party an authentic movie theater feel. (Martha Stewart Living, July 2005)

5 A fun way to distribute popcorn. (Martha Stewart Living, July 2005)

6 If an unexpected summer shower disrupts your screening, simply move the party inside. (Martha Stewart Living, November 2009)

7 The End.