Strictly Simple Style

Guest Post: Jamie's Five Top Tips for Beautiful Design on a Budget

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

When today's guest poster Jamie from [Kreyv] falls for a decorative accessory for her home that's out of her budget she doesn't let the price tag stop her from getting what she craves, she makes her own DIY version. Today Jamie will be sharing five of her top tips for creating a envy-inducing home on a budget.

The lovely Jamie

Number One: Do. It. Yourself.

My number one tip for beautiful design on a budget is to do it yourself. There is SO much you can do yourself...just know your limitations. Unfortunately, I can't build, and I can't sew, but there's A LOT I can do with some paint and a glue gun! My diy motto is, "How hard can it be?" Sometimes this backfires, trust me, but there are lots of things I've made that I not only love, but that are one of a kind. On the flip side, there are TONS of projects that have already been made, so copy them! You know you like it, you know it works, and you have the instructions. Go for it!

My sunburst mirror. Tutorial from Isabella & Max.

Burlap Message Boards from Ballard Designs---much cheaper to diy!

Tip Number Two: Switch It, Change It, Rearrange It

Change things up in your home. Move rugs, rearrange furniture, trade pillows, switch accessories...you get the point! Changing what you already have will feed your need for change and keep your house new and fresh. Little changes can make a big difference.

Switching rugs, pillows, and throws throughout your home is a great way to change things up

Adding nailhead trim is an inexpensive way to add character to furniture and change the look.

Number Three: Think Outside the Box

Be creative! Use unconventional materials to create art. Almost anything can be hung on a wall! You'd be surprised at how many great things you can find at the hardware store...there is a lot of inspiration in isles of The Home Depot! It's all about mixing high with low.

Using a $30 door instead of a canvas is an inexpensive way to create big impact.

Framing paper, fabric, or even moss (as pictured above) adds color, texture, and interest to a room.

Number Four: Shop Your Home

I used to get bugged when I would hear people say, "Shop your home," as if I had some a secret room of forgotten decor. But, it's true, you can find a lot in your own home that can either be tweaked or redesigned all together. Remember, think outside the box!

Add painted plywood to add change to a print or portrait.

Shop your home for frames and other items that can be added to a gallery wall.

Number Five: Paint It

My final tip for beautiful decor on a budget is to make paint your friend! It's amazing how far a can of white spray paint can go! It can totally transform just about anything.

License Plate Art

Bottle Bud Vases

Thank you, Karen for having me on your blog today! I hope you all got some ideas and/or inspiration. Hope to see you over at [kreyv]!

If you like what you see here be sure to check out Jamie's series "So Cheap, So Easy". Thanks for sharing Jamie!

I'm Backkkk....and Affordable Art Inspired by HGTV

2012-01-05T07:52:00.001-08:00

I know, I know, you thought I fell off the face of the blogging world, but that's not so. I seriously was going through a dry spell inspiration-wise and with the holiday ca-raziness I needed that extended break. That said, on to the post....

Have you checked out the HGTV Dream Home yet? I'm so delusional that I really think it's my year to win and you're all invited to the house warming. The room I'd spend the most time in is the great room. Kudos to designer Linda Woodrum. One of the first things I noticed was the grouping over the fireplace. How easy would it be to recreate the look over the fireplace on a budget by framing fabric in ready made frames? If you're willing to spend a little more and want an nearly identical interpretation, check out prints from Art.com that have a very similar look:

For those of us with two story great rooms finding art that looks in scale with the room's proportions can prove to be very expensive-that's why I still don't have anything hanging over my fireplace since I had my room painted last March. (I know, pathetic, right?) A tight grouping like this might be my answer. Now if I could just nail down the color palette I want for that room I might make some progress.

This is how my room looked prior to the holidays.

Could this be the solution for my bare walls? What do you think would work best with my dark brown walls, black, white or silver frames with bright white mats?

Shop All Year for Holiday Decor

2011-12-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Personalized stockings from Ballard Designs were an after holiday purchase in 2010. They were practically giving them away.

If you want to spend a ton of money on Christmas decorations hit the malls in October or early November when nothing is on sale, but if saving money is your goal, shop year round for items to add to your collection of holiday decor.

You do not, I repeat, do not need to get up at 4:00 AM the day after Christmas to find holiday decorations on clearance. I like to wait several weeks to hunt for bargains. I found dozens of ornaments at Michael's last year for 90% off by following this strategy.

Bargain ornaments were used to fill apothecary jars and glass bowls that I placed throughout the house.

Consignment shops and thrift stores are exceptionally good spots for picking up bargains on Christmas decorations year round. Plenty of donations are made to thrift stores immediately following the holidays when people are packing up their decorations. But don't forget, lots of us do a major purge as part of our spring cleaning or to get ready for a summer garage sale.

Over the summer I spotted the brass vases seen on the top shelf for $6 at a consignment store. I specifically bought them to pull out for the holidays.

If vintage holiday decor is your style be sure to hit your favorite antique malls shortly following the holidays. You're likely to see plenty of charming vintage ornaments and baubles to use for years to come.

Country Living

Last year I picked up my new favorite decoration, a silver nutcracker, at my favorite antique mall. The price? $3. I love that little guy!

Discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Stein Mart, Home Goods and Tuesday Morning carry blingy accessories year round. It might not be what you want for every day, but a bit of shine and sparkle is a necessity for the holidays, right? Mercury glass, a must have for the holidays, is one of the easiest things to pick up at discounted prices at these type of stores.

TJ Maxx always has a selection of mercury glass pieces beginning in early fall. I found a set of chunky candlesticks for $14.99. (I'll be using these all year long!)

A final note, save yourself time and gas by shopping for after holiday bargains online. That gorgeous tree skirt or tinsel tree you were coveting in December might be on sale in January.

Do you have a story about a favorite holiday decoration score? I'd love to hear about it.

A Sweet Welcome

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Via Pinterest

Whenever I entertain during the holidays or the winter months I like to offer guests a piping hot drink when they arrive. My go-to drink has always been hot mulled cider, but after seeing so many ideas for creating a hot chocolate bar I just might need to break with tradition.

I'd offer a variety of toppings and stir-ins

Via Pinterest

Via Pinterest

Marshmallow snowmen would be a hit with younger guests.

Chocolate dipped marshmallows would be a must have for my hot chocolate bar.

Good Housekeeping

I'd give guests the option to stir their hot chocolate with an edible stirrer.

DeliciousDelicousDelocious.blogspot.com

Could there be a more perfect dessert for my hot chocolate bar than these hot chocolate cupcakes from The Cupcake Blog?

No one would mind going out in the cold if they were sent home with a sweet parting gift, dark hot chocolate mix

All of these images make me want to host a party as an excuse to have a hot chocolate bar. Let's think...

-Neighborhood cookie exchange

-Post ice skating party

-Tree trimming party

-Cookie decorating party

-Football party

-After Christmas movie marathon

Can you think of any other occasions that might call for a hot chocolate bar?

Gray Skies Go Away!

2011-12-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

The tree is trimmed, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but the combination of a marginal camera and overcast weather is preventing me from getting a decent shot. I promise to post pics as soon as the sun starts shining.

Hope you have fun plans this weekend.

Have Yourself a Healthy Little Christmas

2011-12-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

You hear the same story this time every year: The average American puts on 5-7 lbs during the holiday season. It's hard not to what with the trays of Christmas cookies at the office, fried appetizers and egg nog at the neighbor's holiday open house and Grandma's special pecan pie on Christmas Eve. Nothing but junk food every time you turn around. This year arm yourself with a few go to festive recipes that you can bring to holiday gatherings or serve at your own celebration so that you'll have options when you get to the buffet.

Top zucchini rounds with a slice of tomato, sprinkle with a small amount of blue cheese then bake until cheese melts.

Reader's Digest

Try Bite Sized Greek Salad

Nestle olives in a wreath of rosemary

Traditional Christmas colors highlight this healthy black bean salad.

Arrange assorted cheese cubes in the shape of a Christmas tree and embellish with herbs.

Trick the kiddies into eating their veggies this season with this fun snack: Sugar snap peas boughs, a cheese star and a pretzel trunk.

Canadian Family

Now if only someone would come up with a zero calorie gingerbread cookie we'd be all set!

*Images via Pinterest unless otherwise noted.

Choosing a Color Palette for Holiday Decorations

2011-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Red and green may be the traditional colors for Christmas decorations but if you plan to keep them up for 5-6 weeks it makes sense to select decorations that won't clash with the current color palette in your rooms.

Last year my black and white furniture set the tone for my holiday decorating.

A few shots of red were included to give my great room a holiday feel.

Having updated our great room with dark chocolate brown paint on the walls and white fabric on the chairs, traditional Christmas colors aren't appealing to me this year.

A few visits to Pinterest have given me plenty of inspiration for a new color palette for this year's holiday season.

This year I'm be warming up my room for the holidays with silver, gold and white decorations. I'm still putting the finishing touches on my decorations and plan to share within the week.

Do you decorate to compliment your home's color scheme?

Alternative Christmas Trees for Small Spaces

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

FestiveTree.com

A house doesn't seem like a home until you've celebrated the holidays within its rooms and nothing says "holiday" quite like a Christmas tree. But if your living quarters are less than spacious finding the space for a tree might prove to be a challenge. Never fear, there are plenty of alternatives to a traditional tree that are every bit as festive. If you can spare a few square feet try one of these ideas:

For a rustic look, create the look of a tree by anchoring pine boughs in a basket. (Pine boughs can be purchased at Lowes for around $5/bunch.)

Place branches in a single vessel or separate into individual bottles as a way to display favorite ornaments.

Use pedestals or cake stands to mimic the shape of Christmas tree. Decorate with cherished ornaments.

Inexpensive tabletop trees can look posh when placed in a quality container and decked out with holiday decorations.

Don't let a lack of space keep you from enjoying your own tree this holiday season.

Have you started decking your halls yet?

*Images via Pinterest unless otherwise noted.

Wrapping up a Project

2011-11-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Over the summer we swapped our son's bedroom with our guest room/home office space. While we got my son's room in order immediately we basically plopped a bed in the corner of the new guest room and called it a day.

Nothing was done with the mammoth pile of fabric remnants, gift wrap, office supplies, picture frames, etc... that lined the wall opposite the above image.

This is where we started!

With the holiday season commencing next week I needed the room cleared out to turn it into a gift wrapping/gift stashing spot during the upcoming weeks. I started by updating and repurposing a consignment store vanity as a spot for hiding tape, gift tags and scissors.

Before

After

With the red stripes primed and painted over, prints from Etsy seller Catherine Nolin and artist Fiona Collins help brighten the neutral walls.

My gift wrap, ribbons and bows are tucked away in a nearby closet for easy access. There is plenty of floor space for spreading out for marathon gift wrapping sessions. I've already started my Christmas shopping and look forward to turning on some Christmas tunes and wrapping up a storm.

It's always nice to wrap up a project. (Pun intended!)

Have a great weekend!!!

Holiday Sparkle

2011-11-15T07:38:00.001-08:00

When it comes to homework I always tell my kids to tackle the most unpleasant or time consuming assignments first and get them out of the way. I use that philosophy when I'm prepping for a houseful of guests too. Today's job-polishing the silver for Thanksgiving dinner.

If polishing the silver is not on your list of favorite ways to amuse yourself I'd suggest my favorite product for getting the job done in short order, Wright's Silver Cream. I've been using this for years and it makes shining up your fancy schmancy pieces so easy. Wipe on with the sponge provided and wipe off with a soft cloth to make your trays and platters shine so brightly you can hold them up to check your hair and make-up. A container of this polish costs under $5. I buy mine at a local grocery store but it's also available nationwide at Wal-mart stores.

Have you started your Thanksgiving preparations?

Light Up the Holidays

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

As a twenty-something I wanted to celebrate my first holiday season in my first apartment in style, but holiday decorations added up quick. After splurging on the biggest tree my tiny apartment could accommodate I didn't have enough in the budget to buy ornaments. If I were in that situation today I'd focus on creating a warm, holiday atmosphere from Thanksgiving through New Year's by using my decorating budget for dozens of candles that I'd display in a mix and match assortment of clear and mercury glass votives and candlesticks.

Whatever your design aesthetic, candlelight can blend beautifully into your holiday decorating plans.

Tuck candles and seasonal elements along with your every day accessories to create holiday vignettes.

Display candles in glass vessels en masse for a striking display.

Look no further than the kitchen cabinets for this look. Stray juice glasses could substitute for votives.

Acorns make a nice vase filler. Add candles and your Thanksgiving tablescape will start to come together.

More is more when it comes to candlelight during the holidays.

Pine boughs, clementine oranges and scented candles combine to create a delicious aroma.

Corral a group of candles on a silver tray for an elegant display for a side table.

Parents of small children don't fret, place candles on the fireplace mantle or use faux candles throughout the holiday season.

Save a few ornaments to slip into a vignette that includes candles.

Colorful candy canes are an easy way to dress up candles. Slip a rubber band around your candle, slide candy canes around and cover with ribbon.

Wine glasses work beautifully as candle holders for inexpensive tea lights.

Add a little bling to plain pillar candles by embellishing with gold leaf. Details at Better Homes & Gardens

A final note, consider giving the gift of candlelight this holiday season. Pottery Barn will donate 50% of the purchase price of the Globe Filled Mercury Glass Candlepot to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Once the candle burns out the pot would be a good spot to stash earrings or rings.

*Images via Pinterest unless otherwise noted.

Chic Shelf Paper

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Just because an area is designed for storage doesn't mean that it can't benefit from a wave of the style wand. Case in point, the interiors of your kitchen cabinets or bathroom drawers. Are yours lined with generic marbleized shelf paper that you picked up at the nearest discount store? Don't you deserve better? There is a big, beautiful world of fun patterns just waiting for you at ChicShelfPaper.com.

I'd even leave my kitchen junk drawer open if it was lined in this paper!

I'm partial to the Greek key pattern that comes in several colors, but these patterns also caught my eye.

Some of these papers would be an affordable alternative to wallpaper for projects like lining that back of a plain book case or glass front cabinet. To see all of the patterns offered check out ChicShelfPaper.com.

*I was not compensated for this post but if the lovely people at ChicShelfPaper.com want to send me some samples I wouldn't turn them down!!!

Highlights from a Wine Tasting Weekend

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good wine and good food, temperatures in the low '60's, drives along the Bay and beautiful fall foliage were among the elements that made this past weekend one I didn't want to end. For the second year in a row my husband and I attended "Toast the Season", a wine tasting event hosted by The Leelanau Peninsula Vinter's Association in Northern Michigan. Included with our tickets were wine tasting and food pairings at the 19 participating vineyards.

On Friday, before the official tour began, we stopped at Chateau Chantal, a stunning bed and breakfast and vineyard on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan. We stayed here on our last visit but unfortunately it was completely booked for the weekend.

With all the wine and food being consumed on Saturday and Sunday we almost forgot to take pictures but we did manage a few.

Leelanau Cellars overlooks Grand Traverse Bay

Loved this sign we spotted at one of the wineries.

Pinot Noir at Ciccone Vineyard and Winery

Bower's Harbor Vineyard on the Old Mission Peninsula wasn't on the tour but we managed quick pit stop there on Friday. That's where I spotted a couple of uses for old wine bottles.

-

Our final stop on Sunday was Brengman Brothers at Crain Hill Vineyards

We enjoyed a glass of wine in front of a roaring fire on the outdoor patio. It was the perfect way to end the weekend. My husband snapped this picture just before we headed for home.

We're already planning next year's trip.

An Amicable Break UP

2011-11-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you can love something but that doesn't mean it's necessarily right for you-just ask Kim Kardashian! In my case I loved the black and white fabric on a set of chairs in my great room but after I had my walls painted a dark chocolate brown they were no longer a good fit. The room felt too dark. It was time to move on.

Let me introduce you to my new fabric, a warm white denim. I think we'll be very happy together. The white fabric really lightens up the room and makes me smile. Notice the way the details of the chair pops with the light fabric?

While it was hard to say goodbye to the fabulous black and white pattern, it was an amicable split. I'll always love the time we spent together. (I kept the old casings just in case we may want to revisit the relationship in the future.)

Have a great weekend!

The Day-After-Halloween Candy Fest Derailed

2011-11-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Spicy Roast Pumpkin Seeds

It never fails, every Halloween we end up buying WAY TOO MUCH candy. The next day the peanut butter cups and fun size candy bars start screaming my name and before you know it I'm stuffing myself silly with Starbursts, Tootsie Rolls and Twix bars.

Oops I did it again!

This year I'm being proactive, no more empty calories (and the accompanying inflatable bum syndrome) for me. Instead I'm trading in the Snickers and Milky Ways for my own healthy concoction, spiced pumpkin seeds. With a little tweaking I converted my recipe for spicy cashews to work for roasted pumpkin seeds and it was so easy.

Rinse pumpkin seeds removing all pumpkin flesh and stings then place on a cookie sheet.

Spray generously with cooking spray and sprinkle with a combination of:

2 tablespoons sugar (more if you have a sweet tooth to satisfy)

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Roast in a 325 degree oven for 25 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!

For those who crave something sweet rather than savory try cinnamon and sugar pumpkin seeds.

FYI, pumpkin seeds are loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants. While they may not be as tasty as your favorite Halloween treat you won't find that kind of nutrition data on the wrapper of your Reese's cup.

If all else fails, donate you leftover candy to a soup kitchen and stop the candy fest dead in its tracks .

Disclaimer: Pumpkin seeds are a healthy alternative to candy but are pretty high in calories, moderation my friends, moderation! Make them extra spicy to decrease the desire to overindulge.

Is it Just Me?

2011-10-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

I took my daughter costume shopping a couple weeks ago and the choices were plentiful. You could choose between an array of costumes starting at around $49.99 including, but not limited to, slutty witch, slutty nurse, slutty Little Red Riding Hood and slutty Betsy Ross. What's next slutty Raggedy Ann? We came home empty handed. Anyone else have this problem?

Happy Halloween!!

Attention to Presentation is Good for Your Health

2011-10-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

When I was in college a co-worker, let's call her Becky, once showed a group of us pictures of herself when she was 75 pounds heavier. Want to know her weight loss secret? Make meals and snacks special by focusing on the presentation, not the food. Her favorite trick:

Replace soda with water served in a crystal glass with a wedge of lemon, lime or orange.

Via Pinterest

Becky also mentioned that her healthy lifestyle initiative involved making family meal times less humdrum by using "real" dishes, not the mishmash of melamine plates printed with Disney characters that the family used previously. Paper napkins were a thing of the past.

Party Resources

The prettier the presentation the more likely Becky's family was to slow down and enjoy the experience. The food was secondary.

Over the years I've tried to incorporate some of Becky's advice about making meal times special into my own life. For example I might get out my favorite serving pieces or my wedding china for a Sunday night dinner. Adding candles and a centerpiece makes week night meals special.

Including seasonal elements to your table is an inexpensive way to make your table more inviting.

Where you eat can affect how much you eat. Do you eat in front of the television? Do you stand over the kitchen sink or eat at the counter? Why not use your dining room for more than just holiday dinners? How about moving dinner outdoors?

Early fall weather is ideal for outdoor dining.(Wish I had a fireplace in my backyard!)

via Southern Living

I'd like to take Becky's ideas one step further and say that the way the food is presented can impact our health as well. Take raw vegetables on a party buffet for instance, when they are arranged attractively and served on a pretty tray most of us will nibble. Prepping trays of fruit and vegetables and storing them in the refrigerator is an easy way to avoid the urge to grab that bag of chips.

The only tools you need to create this garden of veggies is a small paring knife and your imagination.

Kids are especially receptive to eating healthfully when meals and snacks have an element of fun.

Via Pinterest

There are plenty of ways to make meal times more special. Just pay attention to the presentation and who knows, you may even improve your health.

(BTW, the last time I saw Becky she looked as lean as she did all of those years ago.)

Guest Post:: Erin from His & Hers

2011-10-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

When I added "Buying an old house and fix it up to be a showplace" to my bucket list my husband just smiled and told me to have a good time. So for now I'll just live vicariously through Erin from His and Hers as she and her husband Rick tackle project after project on their century old home while keeping their sanity and sense of humor intact. Today Erin is here to give us a behind-the-scenes look at some of her adventures in turning an old home into a dream home.

The happy couple

Hey everyone! I'm Erin from His & Hers, and I'm excited to be guest posting at Strictly Simple Style today. Thanks, Karen, for inviting me! :) I spend my days attempting to convince 10th graders that knowing the difference between "effect" and "affect" matters. My husband spends his days attempting to convince customers that they don't actually need to pantomime the insertion of a Nuvaring when consulting his pharmaceutical knowledge. Together, we spend our evenings working on projects around our century-old house, which we bought in February of this year.

We enjoy making our home more beautiful and functional, but we don't take any of this temporary stuff too seriously. This is why you might, at any given time, stumble upon a picture like this in a post about refinishing or replacing old trim:

Speaking of making our home more beautiful and functional, though, one of our biggest accomplishments, to date, it that we've removed several hundred birds from our house. Don't worry; only one of them was real, and it was dead. Very, very dead. The first room that needed to be purged of our two-dimensional fine-feathered friends was our downstairs half bath. We painted stripes on the walls, hung new DIY sconces, spray painted a $12 gold yard sale mirror, and the one among us who understands power tools built a vanity. Hint: it wasn't me.

The second room on our bird-purging list was the room that we recently made our master bedroom. This room is nowhere near done, but so far, we have demolished an imposing closet (taking the room from 12'x12' with a narrow entryway to 12'x18'), put up new drywall, eliminated a textured ceiling, refinished the old pine floors, installed new trim, and painted the walls and ceiling. Here's what it looked like right before we began smashing walls with hammers. My husband would like you to please note the birds and not his backside.

Progress:

And where it stands now, definitely unfinished, but so, so much better than it was 6 months ago:

Do you like what we've done with the adjoining room?

Some of my favorite smaller projects to date are this yard sale lamp makeover:

This DIY storage ottoman:

And the makeover of these sconces, which involved the use of old applesauce jars:

So that's a little about my blog and some projects we're proud of. I'd love it if you stopped by to say hello and introduce yourself. :) Thanks again, Karen, for letting me crash your blog!

Thanks for sharing Erin! To stay up-to-the-minute on Erin and Rick's progress with their renovations visit their blog.

That's Sooo 2010!!

2011-10-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

When I look through my old high school yearbooks I cringe at my enormous plastic earrings and big '80's hair. My sophomore year my hair was so big that part of my 'do had to be cropped off in my yearbook picture. *quiver* Scrolling through images on design blogs or in shelter magazines I sometimes wonder if the rooms we think are fabulous currently will give us the same cringe-worthy feelings that my high school pics do. Nowadays we may see a room with matchy-matchy furniture and think "That's so '90's!" but what will design enthusiasts of 2030 be saying about the decorating trends of this decade?

I can almost imagine the snarky comments that will be made by our design loving children or grandchildren in 20 years:

Matching table and chairs bad; painted furniture good.

You are nobody unless you have an ikat pillow and garden stool.

Zebra rug, check. Moroccan-inspired mirror, check. Imperial trellis, check....

No 2010's trend left uncovered.

What do you think future generations will say about this image in 20 years?

Check out my radical signature mammoth plastic earrings and sweet Firenza sweater dress from The Limited!

What current design trends do you think capture the essence of decorating in the 2010's?

*All images via Pinterest

Holiday Entertaining: Prep Now, Relax Later

2011-10-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

You created the guest list for your Thanksgiving celebration or holiday soiree. the invitations have gone out, now it's time to panic. Wrong! Hosting a holiday party or meal can seem like a daunting task but with a little advance preparation there's no reason to get stressed out. The key to reducing the anxiety of hosting any event is to identify the details that can be taken care of now so that you free up time closer to the event.

Your Holiday Table

The Centerpiece

Create a long lasting centerpiece, one that can be enjoyed now and serve as the centerpiece for your holiday table. Choosing no-cost elements like pinecones, acorns, dried pods or branches saves money and the hassle of shopping. Items like pumpkins and squash can be found on a weekly trip to the grocery store.

Use holiday decorations and items you already own to create a centerpiece.

The Linens

Launder and iron your linens in advance. Rolling your tablecloth on an empty cardboard tube after pressing will keep it wrinkle-free. (Ask at your local fabric store for empty tubes used for decorator fabric.)

Placecards

Placecards are always a nice touch on a holiday table. Pre-print placecards for all events that you'll be hosting during the holidays. This can be completed in a short time but will save you the hassle later.

Tableware

Take inventory of your dishes, flatware or silver, glasses and serving pieces. Purchase or borrow whatever is necessary.

Polishing the silver well in advance will save time later. Make sure to store it in a dust-free spot until you need it.

What's on the menu

Plan your menu and write up an ingredient list.

Decide what beverages to serve

Wine and canned or bottled soft drinks can be purchased in advance. Don't forget to look for sales on these items.

Mulled cider or wine is the ideal beverage to serve at holiday functions. Mulled cranberry or cherry juice is a nice alternative to cider.

Mulling spices from Williams-Sonoma are fabulous and also make a great hostess gift.

Putting it all together

-Make a list of what you need to purchase and divide it into two categories, what can be purchased or ordered in advance and what you need to pick up at the last minute.

-Items that can be acquired in advance can be added to your list of weekly errands. For instance, if you generally hit Target once a week add the white plates or candles you need to your shopping list to save a trip closer to the big day.

-Store your freshly laundered and ironed linens, placecards, candles, etc... in one location so that you can easily pull them out later.

-Check the weekly grocery store fliers for sales on items you may need that can be stored. Things like cinnamon sticks, spices, canned pumpkin and baking supplies often go on sale just prior to the holidays.

-Don't be afraid to ask for help. If Aunt Suzie makes a mean pecan pie ask her to whip one up. Could a few family members come over the night before to help prep some of the salads or side dishes? Order a pizza and offer them a glass of wine and make a party out of it.

-Does Grandma have lots of extra flatware stored in the basement that you can borrow? Save money by borrowing what you can instead of purchasing something you'll use just once or twice a year.

Entertaining, especially during the holidays, should be fun, not stressful. A small amount of time spent prepping once or twice a week will save you a lot of headache later and you'll be able to enjoy your event.

Happy entertaining!

A Taste of France

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Can you think of anything more exciting than the opportunity to move to France for several months to improve your culinary skills? That dream experience became a reality for my niece Celeste, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, when she competed for and won an internship in Puycelsi, France. Celeste's is journaling about her journey, which began in early September, on her new blog Cooking in Southwest France with Madame Alexander.

Whether you are a foodie or not you'll love the charming images Celeste has shot in her new neighborhood and the restaurant/inn where she is interning.

Celeste on the Job

To get a bigger taste of France visit Celeste's blog.

Using Your Mercury Glass Year Round

2011-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

I found this piece last week at TJ Maxx for under $10.

Mercury glass is making an entrance in retail stores more and more each week. As the holidays approach you'll see it even more. But mercury glass isn't just for the holiday season; it can be used 12 months out of the year.

It pairs beautifully with autumn colors

It adds sparkle to Christmas displays.

It can be used in large or small doses to create vignettes on a buffet or an entryway or side table during all four seasons of the year.

It's perfect for A Valentine's Day wedding

The Knot

Collections of mercury glass can be displayed year round.

Via Elements Design

Heidi from Show Some Decor used her mercury glass candlesticks for an Easter display.

A bouquet of pastel flowers in a mercury glass vessel makes a romantic summer centerpiece.

Southern Living

Fresh or dried hydrangeas placed in a mercury glass vase would be a nice addition to a bedside table any time of year.

Country Living

If you have mercury glass pieces stored away with holiday decorations don't hesitate to pull them out and enjoy them year round.

*Images via Pinterest unless otherwise noted.

Driftwood

2011-10-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Adding natural elements to your home is a great way to update for fall. From lighting to furniture to accessories, pieces constructed of driftwood are one way to bring both nature and style to your home this season. See what I mean-

Via Kelly Interior Design

Via High Camp Home

Driftwood Votives from Ballard Designs

My favorite is the simple centerpiece of driftwood combined with succulents and a single pillar candle. Which would you add?

*Images via Pinterest unless otherwise noted.

Fall Front Porch 2011

2011-10-04T05:00:00.001-07:00

One of our family's favorite fall traditions is a trip to the pumpkin farm the first weekend in October to gather the elements for a fall porch display.

My wreath from 2010 faded but the grapevine wreath form and berries I used in last year's display were salvaged to create a new wreath for the door.

Fall Porch 2010

Fall Porch 2011

Which display do you prefer 2010's or 2011's?

Finding Inspiration on the Big (and Small) Screen

2011-10-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Set of It's Complicated

Have you ever started watching a movie or tv show only to find yourself so engrossed in some aspect of the set design that you completely missed a major part of the plot? It happens to the best of us. Every time I watched the first season of Weeds I couldn't help but focus on the design elements in Nancy's newly remodeled kitchen.

How could Nancy Botwin burn down that house!!

The new drama Revenge may not make it past season one, but the set design makes it worth watching. I tried finding images of the home of Victoria, played by actress Madeline Stowe, but couldn't locate a decent shot. Lovers of coastal design will be inspired by the design on this show that's set in the Hampton's (Check it out on Wednesdays at 10.)

Set in wine country, Brothers and Sisters, now cancelled, provided a wealth of design inspiration. Nora's kitchen was my favorite set. I loved the apothecary jars filled with dry pasta, the warm colors, the use of furniture pieces in the space and the open shelving.

While set designers may have budgets that we can only dream about, it's possible to achieve some of the looks we see without breaking the bank. For instance, you could start a collection of white or pastel plates and platters like these from the set of Something's Gotta Give to display on shelves or walls. TJ Maxx is my favorite source for plates under $5.

Get a photo-booth style family picture wall like the one found in the home of The Joneses by mounting photos vertically in long, narrow poster frames. Find them at craft stores like Michael's.

It wouldn't be difficult to find sources for achieving a look similar to the one you see in Claire and Phil Dunphy's house on the set of Modern Family. For instance, creating an arrangement of artwork and plates like the one below could be put together quickly using wallet-friendly sources like Pier I and Etsy.

Painting from Etsy seller ArtPaperGarden, $15

Maribeth Salad Plate from Pier I, $5.

With the fall television season launching and the holiday movie season just around the corner we should have no trouble finding design inspiration on the big and small screen.

Is there a television of movie set that inspires you?

Felt Floral Sculptures

2011-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

How gorgeous is this three-dimensional wall art display. These one-of-a-kind felt floral creations from Etsy seller Modern Maven Colorado are available in an array of 10 colors and sell for $35/square foot. Can you imagine this in a nursery or as a focal wall in a master bedroom? Bea-u-ti-ful!

Creative Ideas for Storage

2011-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

This homeowner didn't let an inch of potential storage go to waste.

It's been said that necessity is the mother of creation and for these homeowners that may have been the case. When storage is at a premium you have to think outside of the box.

Use the back of a cabinet door

Hang baskets from a towel bar or, in this case, inexpensive pieces that can be found in hardware stores.

Get things off the floor by using open wall space to keep things organized in the mudroom.

Look, it's a suitcase of fun!

Peg boards aren't just for the garage. Those tiny buckets can be purchased at Target for $1 each.

What girl doesn't love her shoes? Renters will love this idea for keeping shoes out of sight.

We spend a lot of money for good looking shoes, why not put them on display?

Functional, attractive and creative are a few adjectives I'd use to describe this idea. A cutlery organizer keeps jewelry from becoming a tangled mess.

Can we ever have too much storage? I think not. Look at your rooms with an open mind when searching for storage solutions. Use wall space, the area under the bed, the back of doors...

Have you seen any creative storage ideas lately?

Hosting a Wine Tasting Party

2011-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Wine Tasting at Ciccone Vineyard & Winery last fall. (Madonna's father owns the vineyard!)

Summer vacations are over and the hectic activity of the holiday season hasn't quite begun. This may be the perfect time to host a party for friends and family. Instead of a prep-heavy sit down dinner party, this wine lover would try a wine tasting party instead. Invite each guest (or couple) to bring a favorite bottle of wine. You may want to indicate on the invitation whether the guest should bring a bottle of red or white.

The Basics

Each guest will need both a small white wine glass and a larger, rounded red wine glass. There's no need to spend a fortune on matching glasses. Head to your local Dollar Store or, better yet, your favor thrift store. You can find a great assortment of wine glasses for as low at $1/4 glasses.

Via Escape Hatch Dallas

You'll need a container of some kind for dumping wine between tastings. Also, have carafes or pitchers of water on hand for rinsing your glasses between pours.

Ona Large Pitcher from Crate and Barrel, $26.95

Wine charms are a good way to ensure that guests always know which glass is theirs. These DIY wine charms from Craftevolution are nothing more than craft store hoops and beads.

Ambiance

Making your tasting table special doesn't require you to spend a fortune. The table below is a good example of how to create a beautiful setting using what you have. Use a variety of textures like glass hurricanes for candles, wood cutting boards for your cheeses, woven baskets for holding crackers or breads.

Pottery Barn

Candlelight is a must at a wine tasting. Group empty wine bottles and use as candlesticks for a low cost centerpiece to your buffet table. Be sure to choose unscented candles as you want your guests to be able to appreciate the aroma of the wine and food.

You can't have a party without music. Create a playlist of your favorites. I'd choose artists like Michael Buble, Robin Thicke and Frank Sinatra. Don't have the time, check out this playlist from Playlist.com.

Food

Via Party Frosting

When planning your tasting you may want to choose a variety of foods that will constitute a meal. Cheeses, breads and various spreads, crackers, dried and fresh fruits, nuts, meats and olives are all good choices and will look beautiful when styled on your table at various levels.

Place cheeses on a boards, covering those with the strongest aromas. Be sure to label each cheese and pair with a wine.

Pear-Shaped Cheese Board with Knives and Cork, available at Bed Bath & Beyond, $39.99

If you're pairing cheeses with wines, start with the mildest tasting cheese working to those with stronger flavor. For tips on pairing cheeses and wine visit Wisconson Cheese Cupid.

For a fall wine tasting try the great white pumpkin cheese ball.

Puff Pastry-Wrapped Brie will be on the menu at my wine tasting.

Dessert

No party is complete without dessert. Chocolate is even more delicious when paired with red wine.

Red Wine Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing

Sweet wines like Moscato d'Asti are beautifully paired with desserts that contain fruits like peaches, pears or apricots.

Pear Upside Down Cake with Pecans

Don't send guests home empty handed. Wine charms, a wine stopper or, of course, a bottle of your favorite wine are a nice favor to send home with guests.

Cheers!

Freshening Up the Entrance for Fall

2011-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

It happens about this time every year, my front porch flower pots begin to look bedraggled. I try clipping off the sections that can't be saved and tear out what is just plain dried up but the pots end up looking skimpy. It's time to face the facts, fall is upon us and that means freshening up the entrance to the house. A new wreath and welcome mat? Pumpkins, cornstalks.... let the planning begin.

See what I mean? Skimpy!

When I saw the image below I was reminded of a weekend trip my husband and I took to Traverse City, Michigan last fall. Flower boxes in front of the small stores in the shopping district were adorned with natural autumn elements. Isn't this a simple, beautiful presentation?

I hear that there may be a pumpkin shortage this year so prices will be high. (Remember your high school economics class, it's all about supply and demand!) If you like a colorful, lush look but don't want to pay the high prices for lots of pumpkins, fill in with pots of mums instead.

I took this photo last year at a pumpkin farm. Notice the price for hardy mums, just $6.

Or how about woven pumpkins that can be pulled out year after year. They add a nice touch of texture and they won't rot.

Rattan pumpkins like these from Pottery Barn can be found at retailers like Target and Pier I.

If you have a porch swing or bench think about tossing on a few outdoor pillows in fall colors.

Nothing welcomes a guest to your home quite like candlelight.

If you're anxious about unattended candles, try faux candles, they actually make ones that look so real you'd never know the difference. .

It's always nice to see a freshened up entry when I pull in the driveway to my home. I'm looking forward to making a few seasonal changes. How about you? How do you dress up your entry?

Less Than 100 Shopping Days Left!

2011-09-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Now don't panic, but if I counted right there are only 96 shopping days left until Christmas. I know, I know, you haven't even thought about decorating your house for fall yet. But, if you're a holiday junkie like me that means that there are only about 66 days until the boxes of Christmas decorations get pulled out of the attic.

I'm already dreaming of mercury glass candlesticks and white stockings. How about you, do you get fired up for the holidays way too early? Please tell me I'm not the only one.

Katie Brown, The Anti-Martha

2011-09-19T05:00:00.001-07:00

Martha Stewart may be the ultimate authority on living the good life but her idea of the good life usually includes projects that go on for days. When I want simple, quick, and reasonably priced my go-to girl is Katie Brown. A midwest native, this busy tv host, author, wife and mother knows how to live beautifully without breaking the bank or spending umpteen hours on a single project.

On her PBS show Katie Brown's Workshop she shares ideas for cooking, entertaining, crafting, decorating and more with a relaxed, girl-next-door quality. Look for her collection of kitchen, bath and bedding at Meijer stores.

A few ideas I found via Katie's blog:

Rose Centerpiece

Try one of Katie's Candle Cocktails, only three "ingredients".

Etched Glass Candle Globes

Katie's home, which was featured in Country Living gives off a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. I would feel completely at home putting my feet up here. Can you imagine doing that at a party at one of Martha's many homes. Her eyes would be darting around the room in search of anyone breaking her house rules. I'm pretty sure she would have a "no shoes on the fancy rugs" policy and would hand out coasters and bottles of club soda for stain removal with every drink served.

Don't get me wrong, Martha Stewart produces beautiful work, but when I want simple and down-to-earth, Katie's my girl. Get more ideas for the decorating, entertaining and cooking at Katie's blog.

Fluffing and Training Your Curtain Panels

2011-09-16T05:00:00.001-07:00

These panels are fluffed to perfection.

When you look at the image below what is your first thought? What I see are panels that are a touch of zhushing away from perfection. The panels have a great pattern but it is hard to see past the way they are hung. Hanging panels as high as possible with the hem just kissing the floor draws the eye up and tricks us into thinking the ceilings are higher.

Can't you just imagine someone stepping on the pudding fabric causing it to come crashing down on their head sitcom-style?

Aside from the height of the curtain rod, the panels appear a bit messy and could benefit from a little fluffing. If these panels were in my home I would use a trick that I was taught by a professional seamstress who creates custom made window treatments. She refers to it as "training" the panels. Training your panels is as easy as creating symmetrical pleats with your fingers then loosely holding them in place with a strip of plastic wrap. Don't worry, the plastic wrap won't leave an unsightly wrinkle in your panels.

For long panels use multiple strips of plastic wrap to achieve the most professional look possible.

Leave the plastic wrap in place for a couple of days (more if you can stand it) and the result will be crisp pleats that stay put and give your room a more polished look.

That's all for this week. I'll be back Monday with a new post. Hope you have a beautiful weekend.

Safety First

2011-09-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

I recently heard a tip to prevent home invasion that would never have occurred to me to use and wanted to share it with you. If you use a GPS in your vehicle never program your home as a destination. Why? Because your car could be stolen and the thief would know exactly where you live. This is especially important if you have a garage door opener in your car. That would allow the criminal to easily access your home. Instead, program in a landmark that is in your local area but that won't tip off a would-be thief as to where you live.

Our homes should be a refuge, a place where we feel the safest and most secure. Losing your personal possessions is horrifying, but knowing that someone entered your home and riffled through you belongings can cause a person anxiety for years. While most people are cautious to secure their homes when they leave, that might not be enough.

Thanks for a special day

2011-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by yesterday to help me celebrate my SITS day. I received dozens of comments, picked up some new followers and found a ton of new blogs to enjoy. Most of all, thanks to the SITS Girls for featuring Strictly Simple Style.

It's My SITS Day!!!

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's my SITS day and I couldn't be more excited!!! Let me back up for those of you who are unfamiliar with this site. SITS or The Secret to Success is Support, is a group of over 9,000 female bloggers committed to supporting one another by leaving comments. It's easy to join and a great way to discover new blogs and increase traffic to yours. Each week SITS features several blogs to highlight-today it's my turn!!!

For those who are new to my blog, welcome and thanks for stopping by. I'm Karen, a midwestern wife and mother with a passion for creating a beautiful home and lifestyle on a budget. The less complicated the project, the better.

Pumpkin topiaries are an easy way to dress up your front porch for fall. Just cut off the stems, stack and you're done.

I once suffered from what I call "Martha Stewart Syndrome", the irrational belief that I had to be Martha-esque in everything home-related including the meals I cooked, the rooms I decorated and the parties I threw. I recovered quite nicely, thank you. I love a good DIY project as much as Martha but I like my projects to be quick and easy, so NOT Martha-esque.

Embellishing pumpkins with decorative nails is way less time consuming and doesn't involve a gooey mess.

Paying retail makes me break out in hives. I find that decorating my home on a dime is a lot more fun than buying everything from a department store. I scour thrift stores and stalk my favorite online sources for deep discounts. When all else fails, I get out a can of my trusty friend, spray paint and give new life to pieces that I already own.

My guest room/home office is a compilation of spray painted pieces, clearance scores and thrift store finds. (I did splurge on a rug-a girl deserves the occasional treat, right?)

So glad you stopped by, feel free to poke around a bit. Here are a few posts you might enjoy:

Make the Ordinary Extraordinary

Home Decorating Shows May Be Hazardous to Your Health

If I Knew Then What I Know Now

A huge thanks to the SITS girls for featuring my blog today!

Dreading Fall?

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

A walk in the park when the leaves are changing colors never fails to brighten my day.

Remember the feeling of dread you had as a kid when summer vacation was drawing to a close? No more sleeping in as late as you pleased. No more carefree days of swimming all afternoon. No more homework-free evenings. But you're not a kid anymore so there are plenty of reasons to look forward to fall.

Summer for me means getting up with the sun and getting an early start on yard work before the days get too hot. Fall means spending a leisurely Saturday morning in bed with breakfast and the paper. If my husband is lucky I'll make our favorite breakfast, Lemon Souffle Pancakes.

On a sunny fall afternoon we might visit our favorite pumpkin farm.

Inevitably there will be a lot of gloomy autumn afternoons. Those are perfect for lighting a roaring fire...

curling up on the couch with one of the many books I picked up over the summer at thrift stores for a couple of dollars each...

with a cup of cappuccino. I make it without a special machine. French roast + heated milk blended in an ordinary blender + cinnamon= homemade cappuccino. Not into what my husband refers to as "girlie coffee"? Try my recipe for the perfect cup of coffee instead.

Beat the end-of-summer blues by making plans for something fun to look forward to. How about planning a football party complete with a huge pot of chili and cornbread on the side. These chocolate covered strawberries would be a fun dessert to serve.

When the weather starts getting cold I like to invite friends to dinner rather than going out; entertaining at home can be soooo much less expensive. I just tried a new recipe for stuffed shells that I can't wait to serve at our next evening in with friends.

To make those evenings in with friends special I'd go all out with the styling of the table. (Check here for some ideas using things you probably have around the house.) Gourd vases are a simple way to dress up your table. Cut off the top, create a reservoir for water using a sharp knife, fill with water and place in your flowers.

Mums, rose hips, fall leaves or the dried remains of summer flowers from your own yard can be used to fill your vases.

Just because your evenings won't be spent sipping sangria on the patio doesn't mean that you have to dread the upcoming season. What is your favorite way to welcome fall with a glass half-full attitude?

Memorable Tablescapes on a Budget

2011-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Via Carolina Panache

Creating a memorable tablescape adds to the enjoyment of celebrations big and small. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving feast for 40 or an intimate dinner with a few good friends, you can assemble a tablescape that your guests will never suspect you pulled off on a budget. Just keep a few key points in mind.

Remember the letter "L"

Repeat after me: Lifts, levels and layers. Don't be satisfied with just the essentials, the most successful tablescapes include lots of dimensions. Items placed at a variety of heights keep the eye traveling across the table. The table in the image below beautifully illustrates this point. Items were placed at a variety of levels to give height to the table. It appears that simple wood blocks, an easy DIY project, were used to create lifts for the candles and baskets, giving them more importance. Each element added to the table, including the baskets of fruit, candles and flowers adds another layer. Layers make a tablescape feel luxurious and lush (two more "L" words!)

Via Laurie Raphael Designs

Don't Splurge on the Centerpiece

Wrapped then stacked, these "gifts" make a perfect centerpiece of a birthday celebration.

You could easily spend $50 or more putting together a centerpiece of flowers for your table. There's no need to waste that kind of money. Shop your house or unlikely sources for items to make a unique presentation instead. The money you save can be used for a special bottle of wine or a box of decadent chocolates to serve after dinner.

While you're at the grocery store buying the ingredients for your meal, keep an open mind. I love the way that humble baskets of tomatoes were used as the centerpiece of this table from Martha Stewart. How perfect would this be for a casual, early fall dinner when the tomatoes are at their peak of perfection.

Today's centerpiece could be tomorrow's salsa!

Who doesn't own candlesticks and a simple serving dish. The ornaments are just right for the holidays, but Easter eggs could be substituted come spring.

I don't remember the last time I was in a thrift store and didn't see a woven cornucopia like the one below, but a wicker basket (you know you have one!) would work just as well.

This candy embellished cake was colorful enough to serve as the centerpiece for our family's Valentine's Day Dinner.

Personalize Your Table

Make guests feel special by taking the time to personalize their place at the table. These monogrammed pumpkins would be an inexpensive way to add a personal touch and could double as a parting gift when the evening is over.

Add a label to a store bought jar of pumpkin butter or jam and add your guests' names.

Via IDIY

I used tiny silver frames, $1 each from The Dollar Store, to mark each guest's place for Easter Brunch.

All White Dishes=Big Savings

Have you ever noticed that galleries generally display art against a white backdrop? There's a good reason why, white makes color pop. Apply the same concept to your table and the dishes you serve. Food looks most appetizing against a crisp white plate. But that's not the only reason why white plates are a good choice.

White dishes allow you to vary the look of your table with inexpensive accessories. A completely new look and feel could be achieved with a simple change of tablecloth or by swapping out the salad plate for ones in a contrasting color or pattern. Imagine the summery table below with a deep purple tablecloth or topped with a graphic napkin, both easy items to find on clearance.

These pale blue salad plates were just $2.97 each at TJ Maxx and are often used during the spring and summer months with our white china.

A second set of salad plates, found on clearance at Pottery Barn a few years back, work well year round. the green and white combination looks fresh in the spring but works well during the holidays with a touch of red. I even used them as a holiday decoration for Christmas 2010.

Best of all, simple white dishes are inexpensive and easily replaced if one breaks or gets chipped. Check Pier I, Target or Ikea for great deals. The white stoneware dishes below retail for $2.49 at Ikea. When creating a tablescape you're limited only by your imagination. This image from House Beautiful makes that point clear.

Are those bandanas used as napkins?!!

*all images via Pinterest unless otherwise noted.

Guest Posting

2011-09-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Join me today at Classic Casual Home for Mary Ann's Saturday Pillow Addict Series.

Have a great weekend!

Spaces that Make the Grade

2011-09-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you interviewed 100 students who are at the top of their class they would likely have a couple of things in common-strong organizational skills, parent involvement and a desire to succeed among them. You'd also more often than not hear that these honor students have a designated space in their homes for studying.

Let's face it, very few kids love homework, but writing spelling words and solving math problems would be a whole lot more fun if you could practice them on a giant black board.

Having all the necessary supplies for homework gathered in one spot prevents the need for daily hunts and cuts down on homework time. Use ordinary household items to corral supplies.

Cover old cans with decorative papers or fabric scraps and organize supplies inside.

Create an attractive display of pencils by drilling holes into a piece of wood. A flower frog would work well for this too.

Clip boards are a fun alternative to the bulletin board and work just as well for holding papers, permission slips and notes.

Get the kids involved in the process of creating their study space by letting them choose accessories for organizing their study supplies. Chances are they are going to choose brightly colored or patterned items.

Sophisticated tweens and teens will love these office supplies from Missoni, available this month at Target.

Think in terms of creating a study area that will grow with your child, choosing a desk that won't seem juvenile as your child reaches adolescence.

This desk could take your child from first grade through college and straight into their first apartment.

A thrift store desk could be updated in an afternoon with a coat of paint.

Whether it's a corner of your kitchen or an entire room, having a designated space for studying and homework takes some of the stress out of back-to-school time.

*All images via Pinterest

Jewel Tones in the Home

2011-08-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Whenever I wear a magenta, red or royal blue top I tend to receive a lot of compliments. Jewel tones are a fair-skinned girl's best friend. But they aren't just for wearing, they make a huge impact in the home or when decorating for a special event.

This mostly white bedroom is accented with just a touch of jewel tones.

Love the look but don't want to commit to royal purple or emerald for your wall color or large furniture pieces? Try accessorizing in the same shade as your favorite gems. A few pillows, a throw or even a stack of books covered in jewel toned papers can make a big impact.

Check vintage and thrift shops for glass pieces or perfume bottles in jewel tones to create beautiful vignettes.

Bring in these bright hues through art work like this banana leaf print from Etsy, $30.

With the official start of fall just weeks away adding a touch of jewel tones to your home is the ideal way to transition into the season in style.

Top Five Tips for a Successful Garage Sale

2011-08-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Source

If you are a neat freak like me who can't relax in a disorganized house then having a garage or yard sale is a good solution for disposing of the clutter and making a few bucks at the same time. Organizing a garage sale can be very time consuming so you want to be sure that you take the necessary steps to make certain that you are rewarded for your trouble. Here are my top five steps to making your sale as pain-free and lucrative as possible.

Tip#1: Keep sorting on your mind

Even if you don't plan to have a garage sale until next spring do yourself a favor and don't wait until a week before to start cleaning out your closets and storage spaces looking for items that should be sold. Instead, keep a couple of cardboard boxes on hand and every time you come across an item that you don't use toss it in the box. See a purse in your closet that you never carry, toss it in. That tacky Christmas gift you received from your crazy Aunt Sally last year, one man's trash is another man's treasure, throw it in the box. Sort now, save time later.

Tip #2: Price as you go

Next to sorting through your house for merchandise the next most time consuming part of having a garage or yard sale is putting prices on each item. Do yourself a huge favor and before you toss an item into the "sell" box (see tip #1!) put a price label on it. Hit your local drug store and get a package of pre-printed price stickers to keep in your "sell" box so that you don't have to hunt for them each time you add another item to the container.

Tip #3 Bigger is always better

Your chances of selling your unwanted sale items is much greater with each new body that walks through the garage door. One of the best ways to bring potential buyers to your sale is to arrange for a neighborhood sale. People who love garage sale shopping prefer to hit all the sales in one area before moving on. Everyone knows the good stuff gets sold early so having several sales open in close proximity means less driving time for them and more opportunity for you to make a sale. If you don't belong to a neighborhood association that organizes an annual sale, create a flier and distribute it to your neighbors. Everyone can share the cost of the advertising the sale.

If arranging a neighborhood sale is more work than you want to take on, invite your friends and family to sell their cast off items at your sale and advertise a multi-family sale. Again, fans of garage sale shopping know that bigger is better.

Tip #4: Arrange like items together

Many garage sale shoppers are looking for specific items and don't want to waste time hunting through mounds of miscellaneous items to find what they are looking for. Take a cue from your favorite department store and separate like with like. Use separate tables for each type of merchandise whenever possible. The easier you make it for your potential buyers the more likely you are to make a sale. Remember, time lost at one sale cuts down on the customer's ability to hit the sales early when the best merchandise is available.

Tip #5 Presentation is everything

Borrow a couple of your interior tables to create attractive presentations

I once went to a garage sale with my mom and sister where the first thing we saw was a cardboard box of used, yellowed bras sitting on a plastic chair. (Did I mention that it looked like she hadn't swept her garage in a couple of years?) While there's no way anyone in her right mind would buy a nasty used bra at a garage sale, you'd be surprised what a person might buy if it's presented in its best light. Plain and simple, merchandise your merchandise. Like I mentioned in tip #4, take a cue from your favorite department store when it comes to arranging your merchandise. Borrow racks and shelves from your house to display your items to their full advantage. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Make sure that everything is clean!

Use tablecloths on your tables.

Hang clothes on a rack rather than laying them on a table

Use old jewelry boxes for small items

Indicate the size of items on things like rugs or window treatments

Create levels on your tables with stacking small boxes then covering them with a second table cloth.

While having garage sale can be time consuming, putting a little thought into the organization of one can yield you a tidy profit. Now wish me luck, I'm having a sale this Friday!

I can't wait to clear this out of my basement!

Love Your Furniture Arrangement

2011-08-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

The way you arrange your furniture can be the difference between a comfortable, finished look or one that just doesn't measure up. Too often furniture is pressed up against the perimeter of a room like a group of thirteen-year-olds at their first junior high dance. Boring! But according to the pros at My Design Guide, finding the right arrangement for your furniture is no problem if you remember a simple mnemonic device, the first letter in the phrase " I Love You".

Your arrangement will be successful if you determine the focal point of your room and place your furniture pieces around it in one of three ways, two "I" shapes, an "L" or a "U" shape.

The "I's" Have It

Here two identical sofas create the double I arrangement.

Get the same effect by replacing one sofa with two chairs.

Take the "L"

When space is limited or a room needs to function for several activities, an "L" shaped sectional sofa is a good space-saving option. Arrange sections of the room using the I Love You method. The sectional sofa could be used in a corner to create a cozy spot for relaxing.

Make a "U" Turn

U shaped furniture arrangements are your ideal choice for creating conversation areas.

Rearranging your existing furniture is a no-cost way to get a new look for any room in your home in a matter of minutes. Pull that furniture away from the walls and float it in a shape that will make you say "I Love You".

*Images via Pinterest

Join Me in Problem Solving 101

2011-08-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Before I begin the post, please let me apologize for my lack of posts lately. Bad blogger, bad, bad blogger! I've been spending an inordinate amount of time organizing and purging around the old abode. I don't know about you, but I get an irrational amount of satisfaction from having organized spaces. I hope to be more consistent with my blogging once my kids are both back in school in a couple weeks. That said, now on t the real post...

Like most bloggers I routinely check my stats. They are a great tool for showing you what days of the week your blog receives the most traffic, the types of posts that get the most attention and from what sites readers are referred. Recently while analyzing my stats I noticed a trend, posts that solve a problem are some of the most popular ones on my blog. Makes sense right? I'm drawn to posts that give me solutions to common problems of all varieties.

If you are a blogger who has written a post that solves a common design or home improvement related problem let me know and I'll share it in a future post. Email me with a link to your post at: karen.evans@bex.net.

While you're waiting for the post, take a peek at one of the most read problem solving posts from my blog, a guest post from Carol Smyth of The Design Pages entitled "Decorating Long Narrow Rooms."

Enjoy your weekend!

A Blogiversary Celebration

2011-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

via

It's August 9th, the second anniversary of my first blog post! It's been so much fun to have an outlet for discussing my favorite subject, decorating and design. Blogging has been my opportunity to explore my obsession without the need to bore my friends to tears. Meeting so many like-minded ladies (and a few gentlemen) is by far the best part about blogging to me.

So raise a glass (or your morning cup of coffee) and join me in a celebration of two years of blogging.

Guest Posting

2011-08-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Calling all spray paint addicts, stop by Living Savvy where I'm joining the ranks of Spray Painter's Anonymous.

"Pinning" for Autumn

2011-08-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Did you think I meant pining for autumn? No, I really meant pinning for autumn. That's what I was doing this weekend, pinning ideas for autumn decorating and entertaining on Pinterest. While it may be 90 degrees and muggy in my area I found plenty of inspiration pictures to get me excited about the transition from summer to fall. Have a looky at what I spotted on Pinterest

It's just a few short weeks until September rolls around and that's a good time to start slowly transitioning into a more fall-like look in your home. Keeping the white accessories you used during the warm summer months and adding a few fall touches is a good way to seamlessly transition into the season.

The same principle can be applied to early fall entertaining. Using silver and white as the base of your tablescape is a cost effective way to decorate when entertaining. Napkins and a few accessories are the only changes that need to be made. Picture this table with floral napkins in a summer hue and soft pink peonies replacing the pinecones.

As the season progresses you can add small autumnal touches here and there.

Tuck fall items among your books on shelves

A silver bowl filled with juicy red apples would be a nice touch on an entry table or kitchen counter.

Once the temperature drops and the leaves start to change it's perfectly acceptable to take your fall decorating to the next level.

A vase filled with fall branches is a no cost fall update.

As the evenings get cooler it's time to pull out your throw blankets and swap out your summer pillow covers with ones in rich shades that make your rooms feel cozy.

By the end of September those pots of summer flowers that looked so lush just weeks earlier start to droop and fade. Now is the time to give your front porch a fall makeover. It may take an entire weekend to paint a room inside your house or refinish a piece of furniture, but decorating a porch can be accomplished in minutes flat.

A couple pots of mums and a few pumpkins, all of which can be picked up on your weekly trip to the grocery store, add seasonal color and curb appeal to your home. Instant gratification!

If you're planning a weekend party or bonfire, don't forget to add a few fall touches to your backyard as well. I'd love to look out my kitchen window and see this bench all decked out in autumn splendor.

All of the sudden I'm craving a cappuccino topped with cinnamon.

Are you ready for fall or still enjoying these long summer days?

You Can't Blog With Your Eyes Closed

2011-07-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that I've been scarce lately around the blogging community. I've had an issue with my right eye, probably related to a corneal abrasion that I had a while back. If you've ever had this injury than you know that wearing a contact bandage, the best treatment to allow the eye to heal quickly, is almost as uncomfortable as the injury itself. Needless to say, I've spent the better part of the past two days resting my eyes and applying drops to prevent what is probably just an irritation from getting worse. (I'd rather give birth in a field-in a third world nation that wear a contact bandage again!)

I hope to be back to posting again soon and look forward to seeing all of the new projects that you've done while I've been gone.

Instead of Spray Painting...

2011-07-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

We've had near 100 degree temperatures and virtually no rain for weeks now. Our city has issued restrictions for homeowners on how often they can water their lawns. Violators will be fined! All the work I put into my garden this spring, all of the weeding and the money spent for flowers was for nothing, my grass looks like dried straw. But even more depressing, I can't get to my spray paint projects!

Remember this old piece that I wanted to update? It's been sanded and the nicks and scratches were smoothed out with wood filler but it's still sitting in my garage waiting for the oppressive heat to subside.

Well no use fretting about something that I can't control. I won't be spray painting or enjoying the great outdoors this weekend but there's plenty of other options...

Make a batch of my favorite lemon souffle pancakes from the citrus inspired brunch I wrote about last year.

Whip up a pitcher of my favorite white sangria and finish the book I've been reading. (It's Eat Pray Love, I think I'm the only woman in the universe who hasn't read it!)

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or

I could keep cool browsing the aisles at an architectural salvage store I've been dying to visit.

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Do some online window shopping. Wisteria is my new favorite site.

The heat may keep me from my spray painting projects this weekend, but I'm sure I'll find something productive to do this weekend.

How do you beat the heat?

If My Blog Were a Room...

2011-07-20T04:30:00.001-07:00

I'm moonlighting today at Simple Dwellings participating in Amber's "If My Blog Were a Room..." Series. Come on over and join the fun.

The Versatile Glass Cloche

2011-07-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

When I saw that Hobby Lobby was offering glass items for 50% off last week I made a beeline to the aisle with the glass cloches and picked up the one you see pictured above for just $17.99. While there are a zillion and one ways to style a cloche I chose the classic plant-under-glass look. That lasted for about 30 minutes before I noticed that the interior of the glass was opaque with condensation. Ooops, send me back to 3rd grade science class. (See the end of my post for tips on how to get the look without going the faux plant route.)

After checking that option off my list I did some online searching for inspiration for ways to style my cloche. Here are a few of my favorites:

Highlight something with sentimental value

Via Pinterest

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Make everyday items seem more special

Via Remodelista

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Add height with a pedestal

Arrange multiple cloches to create a vignette

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Change the look periodically to represent the season

Via Pinterest

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Via Pinterest

Via Decor Pad

Use items from nature

Via Pinterest

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Choose the right plant!

Via ThisNext.com

If you love the look of a plant under a glass cloche I did a little investigating and found that any plant that needs a great deal of warmth and humidity like African violets and small ferns are especially good choices. Lifting the cloche daily to vent and placing it away from direct sunlight will prevent overheating.

Even with all of the inspiration here I still like the look of the plant under glass, guess I'll be heading to the garden center.

Which way of styling a cloche is your favorite?

No Use Crying Over Broken Glass

2011-07-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Source

Have you ever thrown out a frame because the glass broke? The glass in a ready made frame constitutes a large percentage of the total cost so it's understandable that someone would consider just purchasing a new frame if the glass in a frame broke or chipped, but I just learned a great money-saving tip to help you avoid this unnecessary cost. Customers can bring their own glass to their favorite frame shop and have the piece cut down to size at a considerably lower cost. Goodwill and other thrift stores always have a wide selection of frames at reasonable prices. Pick up a couple for the glass alone, toss the inevitably hideous artwork and you'll be all set in the event that you need to replace a piece of glass.

Hobby Lobby's frame shop, for example, offers a cost-per-cut fee of only 50cents per cut. In other words, for $1 you can take care of your problem. This is an especially nice savings if you need a piece of glass cut for a frame that's not a standard size. The larger the frame the more money you're out.

I just learned this tip and couldn't wait to share. I hope this comes in useful for some of you in the future. For more cost saving tips for framing check out this post.

Blog Vacay

2011-07-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or do you find that summer means lots of interruptions in your blogging? I'm finding it harder and harder to post regularly. I'll be taking a little time off to catch up.

Have a great weekend!

Make the Ordinary Extraordinary

2011-07-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Via Belle Maison

While browsing Pinterest in the past few weeks I've noticed so many innovative examples of the use of ordinary objects in creative ways. If you open your mind to the possibilities, you might be surprised what you have laying about that could be used to add a touch of the unexpected to your home. I know I wouldn't have thought about using a collection of Pez dispensers as wall art until I saw the image above, but you have to admit, it's pretty fun.

Even very utilitarian objects can find their way into your home's design. Check out these wood clamps used as book ends.

Can't afford a large mirror? Hang three basic back-of-the-door type mirrors horizontally. You'll bring in light and add a bit a drama to your space.

Via Pinterest

Hanging a collection of mismatched plates may be nothing new, but how creative is the way this grouping was hung to follow the lines of the furniture piece in this entry. This makes me want to come up with a plan to add an unexpected touch to my own entry.

via Pinterest

A wine rack filled with basic glasses keeps colored marking pens organized and acts as a decorative element. I've also seen wine racks used to hold hand towels in a bathroom or rolled up magazines in an office.

via Pinterest

When painted in soft pastels, old crates get a new life in a mudroom. I wish my family kept their shoes this organized!

via Pinterest

Have you seen any creative uses for ordinary objects lately?

Last Minute Ideas for Your July 4th Celebration

2011-06-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Good Housekeeping

If you're running short on plans for your July 4th celebration don't panic, there is plenty of time to put together some fun ideas to make your party.

Create individual servings of chips or pretzels using a free downloadable template from Martha Stewart.

For a simple patriotic dessert, dip strawberries in melted white chocolate then roll in sugar that's been colored blue. (*Tip:Make your own colored sugar by adding a few drops of liquid food coloring to plain white sugar.)

Everyday with Rachel Ray

Use your leftover colored sugar to add a festive touch to the rim of glasses.

While you're at it, add a patriotic drink stirrer crafted from a bamboo skewer and metallic pipe cleaners. (A good project to get kids involved in the planning.)

Hostess with the Mostess

Create a patriotic centerpiece for you table using red, white and blue flowers

Via My Home Ideas

Finally, use what you have. Scour the house for anything in the colors of the flag. Ribbon, candies, marshmallows, craft supplies...Use your imagination. Sometimes the simplest decorations are the most charming.

All of You

Have a great holiday!

Finally Airborne!

2011-06-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes all it takes is a little persistence (and a whole lot of patience) to figure out the solution to a problem. Yesterday I shared my dilemma regarding my inability to get some floating shelves to, well, float.

I bought 3 of the Pottery Barn Crown Molding Shelves for a project and try as I might, I couldn't get the shelves to engage with the brackets.

Many floating shelves use brackets where the shelf is positioned on the bracket straight from the front but the PB shelves require you to slip the shelf on over the top of the bracket. I figured out that the problem wasn't the shelf/bracket combination, but that my walls are not level in some areas. Simply loosening the screws on each bracket slightly more than I had done to adjust for the wall's texture did the trick.

Sadly, my walls took a bit of a beating during the process and a little repair work is in order, just a few nicks, nothing major.

I'll be sharing this and a few other projects in a future post.

Project Interrupted

2011-06-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that a simple project like hanging a few floating shelves could be such a pain in the bootay, but for me it has been just that. Last Tuesday I bought 3 of the crown molding shelves you see above from Pottery Barn thinking that the job would be complete by day's end. The brackets were hung (That was supposed to be the hard part, getting them level and all.) but we could not managed to get the shelves to slip on. After two phone calls to the store for advice and a trip to the store for assistance, we still can't seem to get the shelves to engage.

Keep in mind that my husband was able to fit the same shelf on the bracket at the store but we can't seem to make it work in our own home. We tried loosening the screws as suggested by the store manager to adjust for the very slight texture on our walls, but that didn't make a difference either. I'd rather not return them as my entire design plan for the space would have to be adjusted if they weren't included. Not to mention that I would have 9 holes in my wall if the screws were removed. (Let's pause here while I scream out of frustration.)

Please, please, if you have these shelves and can offer some suggestions I'd be eternally grateful.

DIY Candle Lampshade

2011-06-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

I had to share this super easy DIY candle lampshade project that I found at Good Housekeeping. The "shades" are made from scrapbook paper using a template that you can find here. Pop an LED tea light in a wine glass and top with the shade and you have a glowing addition to your table. I'm already imagining a good size grouping of them on a holiday table.

The best part about this project is that you probably already have everything you need to whip up a half dozen: wine glasses, scrapbook paper, scissors and double sided tape.

Any suggestions for where you'd use these?