Must have for your Front Door

My favorite thing to do in spring is take down my winter wreath and put up a forsythia wreath on my front door. Check out this one from Jo-Ann Fabrics. It is only $34.99...and with a 40% off coupon...could be around $20! (Jo-Ann Fabrics accepts competitor's coupons.)

Chandelier Tips

While trying to find how high to hang my chandelier above my table (30 inches!!), I found this article...

(From the Chandelier Lighting Experts)

Chandeliers are designed to float in a room as an important part of the decor. Too large and this fixture will overpower the space. Too small and it will look out of place.

To make sure your chandelier is the right size for the room in which it will hang, consider the following questions:

How high is your ceiling? Taller ceilings demand larger fixtures.

What is the size and shape of your table or island? The chandelier should complement, not overpower, anything you plan to suspend it over.

How big is the room you are trying to illuminate? Again, be sure the chandelier is not too big or too small for the room.

What is the form and design of the chandelier? Light, airy fixtures tend to look larger.

To determine the proper size chandelier for the foyer add the dimensions together: For example if your foyer is 12’ by 16’, add the 12 plus 16 to get 28. The proper size chandelier would then be 28” diameter. This works for any room. Make sure the bottom of the fixture does not hang more than 7’ from the floor. If windows are present, center the fixture in the window so it can be seen from outside.

"Placing a chandelier that is too small in a space is likely the biggest mistake because it's very noticeable," says Joe Rey-Barreau, educational consultant for the American Lighting Association (ALA) and assistant professor of interior design at the University of Kentucky. "Great designers, therefore, tend to make their decisions on fixtures that may appear slightly larger than might be appropriate. It's generally always best to make the mistake on a fixture being too big than too small."

The right fixture in your foyer will create a welcoming atmosphere while providing you with the general light you need to greet guests and assure a safe passage into your home.

TIP:

When determining whether to hang a flush, semi-flush, or multi-tiered chandelier in your foyer, be advised that the bottom of the fixture should be at least 7' from the floor.

TIP:

For two-story foyers, if there is a window above the front door, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside.

TIP:

If your foyer is extra-large, you may also want to add sconces. Sconces should be installed 60" from the floor and 6'-8' apart.

READ MORE FROM THIS ARTICLE.

Energize Your Living Room

Nate Berkus, decorating guru, gave tips on ways to Energize Your Living Room in USA Weekend. We all need a pick-me-up this time of year!

Here are his top tips on making changes...

Hide The TV.

“I understand. I take in my fair share of prime time. But you want this space to be a place to sit and chat and hang out, even when the TV is off. If possible, put the TV in something so you can close the doors. And, by that, I don’t mean you have to have one of those huge entertainment centers. I’ve found beautiful antique armoires — check garage sales, vintage stores and flea markets — and altered them so a TV could sit inside [they work with flat-screen as well as older TVs].”

Rearrange The Accessories.

“You find something — a candlestick, a vase, a bowl, anything — you bring it home and put it out in your house. Five years later, that item is still sitting in the same spot! By just rearranging your tabletops, you give an entirely new look to your room. Start by taking everything off the surfaces and putting it all on one table. Then, start put?ting it back in new ways. When you group the items differently, the entire room takes on a new energy.”

Swap Out Furniture.

“Just moving the sofa to another wall and repositioning the chairs can make a room look entirely different. Try placing a bench, two stools or two chairs across from the sofa. This allows people to sit opposite you when visiting so you don’t all have to cram onto the sofa. It makes a world of difference in this space.

“But don’t stop there. Swap out end tables with ones from a different room. Go room to room and really look at each piece you have and think about where it might work better. Your furniture will suddenly feel new again.”

Divvy Up The Chores.

“When your home is in order, you are in order. I think you just breathe easi?er in a home that is chaos-free. So enlist the help of your family. Make a chore list and divvy it up. Don’t neglect the lampshades. They tend to get dusty and make the whole room look a bit tired. If you each take a room, you’ll have the place cleaned up in no time, and you’ll feel 100 times better about how your interior looks.”

Put Lights On Dimmers.

“This will allow you to soften the lights and the space in the living room. While you’re at it, change your lampshades. Going from white to soft natural linen can make the room look tailored.

“Also, add candles. Everyone looks better — not to mention younger — by candlelight. I just added flameless candles to my home, and they’re on a timer. It’s a great way to return home.”

Inspiring your Child to READ!

Pottery Barn makes a beautiful book rack for Children. Put a cozy chair & reading lamp near this shelf to make for a special nook for you & your child.

(It also comes in red.)

Declutter for 2010!

From the FLYLADY.net....

How to Declutter

Remember: You cannot organize clutter - you can only organize the things you love!

When to Declutter: Decide how often you are going to declutter a zone. Do a little every day - use a timer. But be warned - this can become compulsive! Once you get started you will want to clean like a banshee! Don't burn yourself out! Only do small amount at a time. The house did not get dirty overnight and it will not get clean overnight. When you set the timer you can only do two sessions at a time. This goal may seem unattainable right now, but you can do it in little pieces. In a couple of months, the whole house will be decluttered.

Decluttering Equipment: You will need garbage bags, boxes, magic markers, and a dust rag. Label the boxes "Give Away", "Throw Away", and "Put Away". Line the "Throw Away" box with a plastic garbage bag.

Set your timer: for 1 hour (or 30, 15, or 10 minutes - it does't matter how long). Just do the job as fast as you can and do not pull out more stuff than you can put away in that length of time. This means just one drawer, one closet (or even one shelf in one closet), one magazine rack, or digging under just the furniture in the zone. Not all of them at once!

Start at the entrance to the room: Then, work your way around the room clockwise. Do not skip a spot. Whatever happens to be next, just do it.

Declutter Away!
With boxes at your feet and dust rag in your waistband, start off by cleaning out and getting rid of the things that do not belong in this room. Put garbage in the "Throw Away" box, donations in the "Give Away" box, and stuff that goes somewhere else in the "Put Away" box. Don't worry that you do not have a place for everything right now. By the time you finish you will. That's a promise from FlyLady!

What to declutter?
Things to ask yourself as you get rid of your clutter:
Do I love this item?
Have I used it in the past year?
Is it really garbage?
Do I have another one that is better?
Should I really keep two?
Does it have sentimental value that causes me to love it?
Or does it give me guilt and make me sad when I see the item?

Cleanse this room of everything that does not make you SMILE.

Sing this song: "Please release me, let me go" as sung from the stuff's point of view. It needs to be loved by someone and if you don't love it - GET RID OF IT!

Get rid of the garbage!
When the "Throw Away" box gets full, pull out the garbage bag, close it, and put it in the trash can, the pickup truck, or wherever you keep your garbage. Put a new garbage bag in the "Throw Away" box and keep on Flying until the timer goes off.

Donations:
When the "Give Away" box gets full, seal it off, and put it in your car. The next time you are out, you can donate to the area thrift shop. Do not save your clutter for a yard or garage sale, you will be blessed by giving it away. The value can be deducted on your income tax. Remember you are trying to get rid of clutter - not relocate it somewhere else in your home. Now, grab another box, label it "Give Away", and get back to work.

"Put Away" Stuff:
When the "Put Away" box gets full, take the box in your arms and run around the house (good thing you have shoes on - right?) and put the items in the room where they belong. If they have a place, put them there, if not put them in the room where they logically belong. By the time you have finished you will have a place for everything and everything will be in it's place.

Timer Goes Off:
When the timer goes off, you have to put away all the boxes, but first you have to empty them all. Go as fast as you can.

Last Minute Gift Ideas (You can make!)

Click HERE to find the tutorial on making these ADORABLE lavender sachets...perfect for any woman on your Christmas list.

Click HERE to find the tutorial on Homemade Vanilla Extract! GREAT idea for the cook in your life.

How to Tie a Square Scarf

Click HERE to find instructions for tying a square scarf. It is from "Celebrity Style's Blog."

Freshen up for Spring

Let Spring In!

Spring has arrived! Open the windows, take a deep breath and let Spring enter your life! Ahhh, finally.

De-clutter your house, lighten up your color scheme and attitude and prepare to make the most of the warmer months to come.

I like to think of things I can to do make the mental shift from lethargic hibernation to rejuvenation. For me, Spring is about new life, a bright attitude and a fresh perspective. Now that the grass is green and transformation is all around us in nature, try to think of ways to transform your life. Maybe it's as simple as giving an old piece of furniture a fresh coat of paint, putting a vase of bright yellow tulips on your kitchen table or signing up for golf lessons...small changes can make a big impact on the way you feel about your life.

This Spring, why not...

Paint your front door a bold, bright color.
Cobalt blue, poppy red or goldenrod are all vivid and unexpected choices that welcome guests to your home.

Grow your own herb garden.

Put rosemary, thyme, dill, sage and parsley in pots in your kitchen or plant them in your backyard. Use for fresh and flavorful cooking.

Invest in a versatile and bright trench coat to wear during April showers.

Style & Co. $25.98 at JCPenney

Make an Easter basket for someone you love or create a beautiful egg for yourself!

Glass blown eggs like the one below make a unique piece of art year-round and can be made in classes offered by local art institutes.

Spring Cleaning

What Glamorous Girl doesn't love a clean house? The Springtime is a great time to go through your home & give it a deep cleaning. If you can afford to, hire a professional to do some of the big jobs for you or maybe hire a friend, who is a meticulous housekeeper, to come & give you a hand for the day.  

CLUTTER-FREE CLOSET

One of my favorite Springtime projects--going through my clothes closet! I love to put away sweaters, winter scarves, coats & other bulky, winter items. Most years, at least 1 pair of worn out shoes or boots ends up in the garbage. (Girls have to have good-looking shoes, right?)  

I do have some CLOTHES RULES:
1) Hasn't been worn in over 2 years?  It goes in the "Give Away" pile.
2) The item has a stain or hole--throw it away. If it looks old, tattered, faded or pilled beyond repair--give it away.
3) If the color doesn't look good on me (I should not have bought it in the first place) it goes in the "Give Away" pile.
4) Husband hates it? Give it away!
5) Uncomfortable? Give it away!

This Checklist below will help you give your home a good Spring Cleaning! It gets larger if you click on the image. It was taken from Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook.

Rain Boots

Every girl, except one who lives in the Desert (like me), needs a pair of Rainboots in the Spring. Here are some fun, stylish, affordable (under $30) boots. The first pair is from Charlotte Russe.
The other two pairs can be found at Target.com along with loads of other adorable boots.

Another fun site is ShopStyle.com where you can boots in a wide range of styles & prices.

Adorable Spring China

I love this china by Lenox. Nothing welcomes spring like pretty flowers & special dishes, linens & towels in your home. This Lenox Simply Fine™ Chirp China can be found at Bed Bath and Beyond. It would be a great way to set the stage for any Spring occasion. (The china is safe to use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher.)

If you can't afford enough settings for a dinner party or if you don't have room to store china for every season or occasion, just collect a platter or large bowl and use with dishes that you already own.

Pretty Journals, Etc.

My mom recently bought me this journal from Barnes and Noble.  It was created by Susie Ghahremani.  You can visit her website for this journal and many more adorable things such as bags, notepads, cards, magnets, shirts and more. The prices are very affordable. This journal ending up costing only $8.95 with the Barnes and Noble Membership Discount.

(Did you know...you can buy ONE MEMBERSHIP for your entire extended family to receive discounts from Barnes and Noble. All you need to know is the phone number of the person who opened up the account.)

Give Studio

My friend, Anne, has her own company called Give Studio.   Her hope is to encourage...GENEROSITY, HANDWRITTEN SENTIMENTS, THE USE OF POSTAGE STAMPS, RESPONSIBILITY, A SLIGHTLY-SLOWER PACE OF LIFE, SHARED EMOTIONS, EXPERIENCE, IMPROVED RELATIONSHIPS, TAKING A BREAK, REMINDING SOMEONE OF WHO THEY ARE, CURIOSITY, KINDNESS

Give Studio attempts to make smart choices regarding the environment...
The packaging is recyclable: the single card plastic sleeves are made from corn, and are biodegradable/compostable/sustainable. The card sets’ packaging is made from recycled chipboard, and the envelopes we use are made from recycled paper. Give Studio tries to ask questions about each of the materials in hopes of offering beautiful and responsible stationery.

The coolest part, you can see MY OWN personal cards that Anne GAVE me!! She is an amazing artist & one of the sweetest people I know. Check out her website!

What is Your Design Style?

Check out this quiz. It only takes about 2 minutes & it tells you what kind of design style you like. Check it out!
http://www.sproost.com/StyleEngine

World's Tiniest Letter

My future sister-in-law sent me this link to the World's Tiniest Letter.  Adorable!!  You could send one to a loved one for only $8.  What a sweet little valentine, huh??  

Freakin' Fabulous

One of the most entertaining people on the planet: Clinton Kelly from TLC's What Not to Wear. I recently saw him in person at Macy's in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was promoting his new book, FREAKIN' FABULOUS.

In his book, Clinton teaches "HOW TO DRESS, SPEAK, BEHAVE, EAT, DRINK, ENTERTAIN, DECORATE, AND GENERALLY BE BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE."

Here is an excerpt from the section How to DRESS: "I'll begin by teaching you some of the most important components of style because, quite frankly, if you look like h*!!, nobody will ever find you fabulous. People might say, "Oh, that Mary sure throws an amazing party. Did you know she speaks six languages? And isn't it swell how she single-handedly rescued that busload of blind children from the Mississippi River?" But they will never use the word "fabulous" to describe you if you did it all while wearing tapered acid-washed jeans." (page 3)

Clinton will teach you how to look amazing, speak brilliantly, entertain like a rockstar and make your home look like it was decorated by a professional.

Order your copy TODAY!

Fall Favorites

I love the sights, scents and tastes of Fall. It's a season that caters to our senses, whether we're drinking hot apple cider on a crisp evening, smelling pumpkin bread baking in the oven or admiring the colorful trees.

Here are a few of my 'must-have' treats for Fall that help me savor the season:

*Sweet cinnamon pumpkin collection*
from Bath and Body Works

*Yankee housewarmer Pumpkin Pie candle*

$9.99-$24.99

*Starbucks pumpkin spice latte*

Buy a gift card for yourself or give one to a friend to enjoy all the holiday specials including the gingerbread latte and hazelnut hot chocolate

*My family's Pumpkin Ring recipe*

YUM! This is my favorite fall treat--for breakfast, dessert or an afternoon snack with coffee. My sister just baked this for me for my birthday and the entire thing was gone in a couple days. I cannot get enough.

1/2 cups vegetable oil

2 cups sugar

1 1/4 tsp salt

2 cups canned pumpkin (16 oz total)

4 eggs

3 cups flour

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 cups chocolate chips

1. Beat oil, sugar and salt

2. Beat in pumpkin and eggs

3. Mix dry ingredients together and add to pumpkin mixture

4. Add in chocolate chips

5. Bake in tin bundt cake pan (lightly greased) for 1 hour at 350

Must Read Books

My favorite author is Karen Kingsbury. Her books have encouraged me in many, many ways. I started reading these books several years ago and found myself staying up almost all night just to finish the book that I was reading. They are that GOOD!!!

Chilly fall and winter months are upon us... so what a perfect time to start reading these books. Have fun reading, relaxing and sipping on your cup of coffee. You can visit her website at http://www.karenkingsbury.com/

Redemption Series - Baxters Series #1
In The Redemption Series, winner of the 2005 Retailer's Choice award for Inspirational Fiction Series, Karen Kingsbury brings you the bestselling Redemption Series, five books that follow a family with trials and triumphs like your own. The Redemption Series illustrates the relational teachings of Gary Smalley in a way that is changing lives across the world.

The Dash

My girlfriends have a great sense of style, quirky senses of humor and are extremely creative but, what I love best about them are their souls. They are kind, loving, gracious and purposeful in the way the live. They value people but, appreciate beautiful things.
In these unstable economic times, I am reminded that things of this world can not define us. They come and go so quickly. But who we are, can leave a legacy.
I am not a fan of forwards but I got one the other day that was very thought provoking. I wanted to share it because it encouraged me to be more intentional in the way I live. I hope that you take as much away from it as I did.
www.dashpoemmovie.com

Fun seasonal ideas

Fall, it lasts for such a short time, but it makes such an impression on my mind and mood. Each year, I find myself longing for the crisp and colorful season, waiting patiently for the day I can pull my sweaters from the cedar chest and begin searching for the perfect pumpkin.

I feel inspired by the rich, earthy colors--deep cranberry , rusty orange and burnt amber. I look for ways to incorporate these colors into my decorating and pull the outside in. Twigs, gourds, pine cones, leaves...it all feels so festive and rustic!

Take advantage of these months when nature provides us with so much to admire. Dine outdoors with candles and blankets, sit by the fire with a mug of hot apple cider or a glass of mulled red wine, decorate and bake with apples and pumpkins and spend time being thankful for another season to celebrate God's creation.

Try a few of the following ideas to help you incorporate Fall's colorful palette into your decorating:

Coast to coast

'Highlight seasonal motifs or messages in envelope-style coasters with cards that you can change out on a whim. Cut out a thumb notch and a window on one end of a felt rectangle. Fold the rectangle in half and stitch or glue the sides. Print words or designs on card stock and cut cards so the printing shows in the cutout.'

Inspiration from Thomasville Furniture

The following suggestions come from www.countryhome.com:

SIGN ME UP
'Old license plates declare delightful greetings when they are snipped into individual letters and lined up along a tablecloth. Just cut a collection of letters from various plates, punch a hole in the top of each with a nail and hammer, then use 18-gauge wire to hook them to a burlap tablecloth. To make the table covering, fold under the edges of raw burlap, press, and secure with fabric glue. Rickrack, also glued on, adds a nostalgic touch.'

CAST A SPELL
Shine an eerie glow in a dining room or hall with this candle display. Spooky letters printed on scrapbook paper that looks like aged parchment are illuminated from within. Download these letters, print them, and tape them around glass candle hurricanes or plain 9-inch-tall prayer candles. Accent with sprigs of bittersweet vine.

GARLAND

Dress up a window, doorway, or stair rail with an apple garland. Spear apples through the center with an awl. Then thread waxed twine on a 5-inch large-eye upholstery needle and run the twine through the apples. Tie a twig to each end of twine to secure the apples. Add leaves for fullness and color.

VOTIVES
Add the sparkle of candlelight to your setting. We floated several apple votives in an old washtub. To make, cut, core, and scoop out each apple to accommodate a tea light. Add fresh maple leaves for rich autumn color. You can apply this same idea to individual glass containers filled with water on a table.

WREATH
Buy a grapevine wreath at a crafts store. (Ours is 18 inches, a good size to hang on the front door.) The beautiful orange berries are bits of bittersweet vine tucked into the wreath. Attach small apples using wood skewers that you tuck into the wreath. For more stability, add hot glue to stabilize the skewers. Pressed maple leaves are another seasonal touch.