The Best Christmas Gift Ever: A Wordle


I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and Santa was good to you!

This was a special holiday for me, partly due to a thoughtful,
blonde haired beauty that I'm proud to call my daughter.

I'd like to share my favorite gift for two reasons:

A. It means so much to me
and
B. It's artwork for your house!

Enter.... My Wordle



Ashley took the time to contact my friends and family members 
(at least the ones she could find their email addresses secretly!!)
and asked them to send in 3 words to describe me.

She entered them into the Wordle program and
Viola'!...
my Wordle was created.

Looking at the photo, if the word was repeated a few times,
then the font is larger than the others.

Seeing all the names of my close friends and family who contributed,
basically took my breath away as I forge through a challenging time.

I got a kick out of some of the terms, but for the most part,
I'm just so touched and inspired by the people in my life.

So for you... here's artwork for FREE!

Go to www.wordle.net and create your own,
choose the colors for the words and background,
print, frame and hang.

Give it as a gift- just time and no money
**the best kind**

I'm a lucky girl...




Until next time,
Tuesday, December 27, 2011 Comments: 6
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Holiday Company Coming? Spruce Your Guest Bath!



Most of you are winding down the work week, but we are still going!
I'm off to New York, New York's house this morning to work on 
the Remodel that has taken a life of it's own!


We are waiting for the above tile for the guest room bath...
which is going to be clean and classy-
black custom cabinetry and custom tile by
Natural Selections.


I told NY, NY... the house guests may never leave:)




If you are expecting guests over the holidays, keep reading
to get your guest bath whipped into proper shape!


Like me, we will all be doing lots of tidying up, 
rearranging and getting ready for company this holiday season! 


What is the one thing that will get used no matter what when company comes over?? 
The Guest BATHROOM. 
I think, many times the guest bathroom gets overlooked because...
well, you never need to go in there, you use YOUR bathroom. 
So it often gets put to the bottom of the list when it comes to redo's... 
But, really, it should be closer to the top of that list. 

Here are a few ideas for those already redoing 
their guestbaths, 
and a few tips for those who just want to spruce it up!

First off-- never be afraid of the windows! 
Any natural light you have in your guest baths, take advantage of it!
 For you lucky ones who have windows... 
Free standing vanities are great in guest bathrooms because you have the 
flexibility of doing what you want with them.



Typically the Guest Bathrooms are smaller.
 Use big scale patterns on the shower curtain to really accentuate
 a more grand appearance in the small space.



Color! When else can you use bright vibrant colors in your home?
Definitely not a lime green wall in the living room (I hope).
But you can easily play off wonderful colors in a small bathroom, and
offset it with white trims, frames and fittings.

Photo courtesy of BHG

I love the bead board that keep reoccuring in many of the bath photos.
This adds just a touch of texture to the small room,
and gives interest to the bottom half of the room.

Photo courtesy of BHG

As much as possible, stay light and airy so that the space doesn't start to close in on you.
Add baskets, trays and accessory items to make the room feel more lived in and welcoming.



Mirror mirror on the wall....Mirrors will always expand a room.
Reflection is a wonderful thing.
Use a whole wall to become a mirror or frame a mirror with mirror.
You can't go wrong. Don't worry.



Double vanities. If you have the option or flexibility of doing this,
separating vanities to become two stand alone items will provide
each guest his or her own space with the same room for those sharing the bath.



Be a hotel! Make sure you are stocked up on "extras".
Towels, toiletries, etc. Be creative with the display.
Find a great wooden cabinet to paint, or use baskets attached to a wall...



Add hooks and shelves for extra storage and space.



Candles! They smell nice and set a wonderful ambience. They are a must have.

Photo courtesy of BHG

And lastly, fresh flowers. They will always brighten up a room...and someone's day;)

Photo courtesy of BHG

I promise to show you after pictures from New York, New York's
vintage inspired black and white bathroom in January the beginning of
the New Year!

Until next time,
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 Comments: 1
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Pantone Color of the Year 2012!


Pantone has come out with their "Color of the Year", that is predicted to be the hit, 
not only in interiors, but fashion and art as well!

**I hope my girls read my blog so they can understand why
they got so many gifts in this color on Christmas Day:**



Dance into the New Year with this Vivacious and Appealing Reddish Orange!

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an 
orange with a lot of depth to it. Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, 
Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the 
friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that 
emanates heat and energy.” - Pantone


"Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories.
 Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to 
any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an 
unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? 
Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, 
entryway or hallway." - Pantone




Watch for the emersion of orange in all our fashion stores. Have fun pairing this 
new color with all your favorites!



Begin by adding one piece of orange to your room...it is such a bright, wonderful color,
it doesn't have to be much to make an impact!



 An accent wall of Tangerine Tango is fabulous!



Create a coastal look with the pair of turquoise and tangerine.

You know it's one of my favorite combos...
read about it here


Photo courtesy of House of Turquoise

A peaceful atmosphere with a hint of orange can be made with soft,
sophisticated lines of tangerine.



Jump on the band wagon with the Pouf craze and purchase a 
Tango colored one for a pop of fun color and comfort.



Feeling brave and loving this Color of the Year? Have a blast with it,
and use it as the focal color with only pops of black and white.


 And always use Tangerine Tango as an accessory item.
It is the PERFECT mix of elegant and fun!


Have fun with it!

Until next time,
Saturday, December 17, 2011 Comments: 1
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Wine Bottle Holiday Decor!



This flask caught my eye.. why, I am not sure:)
But... 
#1. If you are looking for a last minute gift idea
head over to Liquid Courage Flasks.... to make your purchase.
or...
#2. If you refer back to this motto daily and 
are into recycling... read on!

What are you doing with all those empty wine bottles and corks? 
Why not put them to use as great Christmas decor??  
They can make an elegant centerpiece, 
or a fun ornament! Check out these ideas.

Paint your wine bottles! Spray paint works great for this type of craft. 
Make sure and read on it, to ensure it will adhere to glass, and have fun! 

Fill the bottles with glitter sprigs and set on top of a mirror for 
extra reflection on your dining room table.


Looking for an interesting mantel piece? 
Try this Wine Bottle Light (and be extra careful!)
for a unique conversation starter.


I recently saw this Wine Bottle Christmas Tree and had to share it with you!!
Using an iron frame and upside down tilted wine bottles, this large tree was created.


Here is a close-up of the construction.


An easy, natural look using wine bottles: wrap each bottle in yarn
(in whatever colors you prefer) and mix & match sizes of bottles for added interest.


Looking for a dining table light display?? This is perfect.
Use tall candles to fit inside the neck of the bottle at varying heights
for an eye popper of a table decoration!


Feeling crafty and have extra corks? Make an ornament!
Simply use hot glue, and pipe cleaners to form this little Rudolph.


Here are a few wine cork wreath ideas that are fabulous.
This more "jumbled" look was made by tedious work of hot glueing each piece
in the location YOU want it and then attaching to a wire wreath frame.


This more clean appearance is using corks and 2 different color berries
glued every other one and topped with a small bow.


Snow "cork" men! Paint those corks and use cotton balls or wooden circles 
(found at any craft store) for the heads. Top him off with a spool of thread for the hat!



And last but not least, an easy use for your extra corks...a Christmas tree! 
Again, this takes a bit of hot glue and a lot of patience, for an excellent result!


If you have any wine bottle or cork decoration ideas we'd love to hear from you, 
leave a comment with YOUR creation! Enjoy!

Until next time,
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 Comments: 14
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Christmas Decor Tips and Tricks!


Christmas time is in full swing! In the stores, on the radio, 
AND in many, many homes full of garlands and glitter...

Each year, I try to add just one new holiday decoration
...and this year it is a white Christmas tree.

Yes, I did buy it off of Craigslist after the holidays last year, 
but don't snub your nose yet!

Take a look now-


and take a look back here to see the rest of my house...
taken last year but repeated now!

Do you ever seem to have a loss of ideas for how to make your Christmas decorations 
just a little bit different than last year? Here are a few ideas for table top decor, 
mantel garnishes, wreath making, and Christmas tree decorations and themes!

Traditional Colored Tabletop:

Bring out the reds and whites!
Use a small tree skirt as a centerpiece on your table and layer small snowmen and
mini Christmas trees around to create a winter wonderland. If you have a light
fixture above your table, bring out your craftiness and make a snowflake chain
to hang from the light!


Elegant Silver Tabletop: 


Looking for a softer, more subtle and formal tabletop decor?
Layer your place-settings with silver chargers and create different levels by using
different height candle sticks topped with a single ivory candle. White flowers with a touch
of pine tree garland will add the pop of color you are looking for.


Garland and Beaded Mantel: 

Cover that beautiful mantel with plenty of beautiful garlands! 
Even some colored garlands, such as this silver pine, can be quite excellent 
when matched with red tulle or fabric softly tossed in the background of the 
mantel. Use cranberry beads and garlands (found at any craft store) 
to drape asymmetrically  off the mantel.


Bannered Mantel:


Craft an elegant "banner" out of ornaments spelling out
"Merry Christmas" that you could even make yourself!


Want to spruce up your front door?

Try one of these DIY wreath tutorials by clicking the image to find the "how to"!


Snowfall Christmas Tree:

Combine all your traditional Christmas ornaments with a few new
icicle ornaments or short bead strands to create a "snowfall"
effect on your Christmas Tree


Theme your tree!: 


Choose a theme that reflects your family and traditions


Happy Christmas decorating!

Until next time,
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 Comments: 0
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