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Thanksgiving Dinner Guest – Top 10 Hostess Gifts Under $40

November 10, 2009 · Comments { 18 }

Even though hosting Thanksgiving can be a lot of fun, it’s also nice to just show up as a guest. If you will be a Thanksgiving dinner guest this year, bringing a special hostess gift is thoughtful and greatly appreciated. A nice bottle of wine, homemade jam or freshly baked bread is always well received. But, if you are running short on time and want to bring something a little different this year, here are my top ten favorite hostess gifts under $40:

One – Personalized Orange Damask Coasters from Red Stamp – go here to receive 10 off.

Two – L.A. Burdick’s handmade chocolate turkeys

Three – Branch-to-Bough, robin ornament from Anthropologie

Four – Cardinal Snowglobe from Gump’s

Five – Eco-friendly & lead-free Linneas Light Candles {Pumpkin} from Inglenook Decor

Six – Numi flowering tea gift set from Gaiam

Seven – Fleur de Sel French Sea Salt from Williams Sonoma

Eight – Dandelion Wish 4 Bar Letterpress Stationary from Paper Source

Nine – Foglia dishtowel from Crate & Barrel

Ten – Any local honey or Orange Blossom Honey from Olivers & Co.

What’s on your top ten favorite hostess gifts?

*this is not a paid advertisement

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Read full story By on November 10, 2009 in discounts, Entertaining, healthy home, home accessories

Friday Find: Silhouette Pillows by Aunt Bucky

November 6, 2009 · Comments { 18 }

Many of you know, I love designing nursery and children’s rooms, so I swooned when I saw these colorful, modern shadow pillows by Aunt Bucky. Thank you to Project Nursery for introducing me to this line.

Hope you have a beautiful weekend!
And don’t forget to enter to win a $50 gift certificate from sticviews here– custom stickers in time for the holidays!
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Read full story By on November 6, 2009 in baby and children, friday find, home accessories

Top Ten Ideas for Decorating Your Apartment Rental

October 21, 2009 · Comments { 5 }

Anyone who has rented an apartment desires to feel comfortable, no matter how large or small the space. Decorating an apartment can be difficult as there is often little to work with and only so much change allowed. Every apartment complex is different. Some complexes resemble the styles of Pleasanton apartments in California, with varying sizes, yet functional and luxurious. Others reflect the high class busy lifestyle of Manhattan apartments, often in a one-room loft layout. Whatever the location or floor plan, remember these top ten ideas for making the best out of your space and making it your own.

1. Use multi-functional furniture – For small spaces, a futon sofa bed will give your guests a place to sit and a place for you to sleep at night all in one piece of furniture.

2. Purchase storage type furniture – Beds, couches, and loveseats are available with extra storage options. Storing away miscellaneous items can de-clutter a space and make it appear larger.

3. Wall hangings – Most rentals do not allow paint on the walls. Unique wall hangings can add the expression you are looking for without damaging the walls. Large panels with fabric in your color of choice will work for any wall.

4. Minimal window coverings – Many apartments lack windows as they are connected to other units in the building. Do not cover the windows with excess fabric or curtains. This will block any natural light coming in. Practice minimalism on the windows.

5. Floor lamps – Don’t underestimate the power of adequate lighting. Invest in a few floor lamps and bring your apartment to life. All of your decorating will be evident in a well-lighted room.

6. Add warmth with plants – Studio and loft apartments can be a little “drab” and cold. Add warmth to a space with a few green plants. Plants also help to clean up the air in your apartment, which can be beneficial for apartments in pollution-filled cities.

7. Use room dividers for open spaces – One room apartments can be segmented into separate areas through the use of room dividers, folding screens, or curtains suspended from the ceiling.

8. Pay attention to the small details – Limited budgets mean limited decorating. Small touches such as adding new light switch covers or cabinet hardware can make a big difference without stressing your pocketbook. Make sure to keep those covers and hardware because you will have to replace them when you leave.

9. Create one focal point for each room – Every room should have at least one item that centers the room and makes everything around it pale in comparison. This could be a fireplace, a painting, a statue, or even a large piece of furniture.

10. Mirrors – Use mirrors to reflect light and create the look of a bigger space. Hanging mirrors on the wall or balancing them on the floor against a focal wall can add elegance and style to any room.

The most important thing to remember is to relax. Be open to new ideas and take the limits off of what you think your space should look like. Get creative and turn that apartment into the home of your dreams.

*article written by Avalon Communities and product samples by Simplified Bee – this is not a paid advertisement.
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Read full story By on October 21, 2009 in decorating small spaces, Design Tips, home accessories, interior design

Home Office with White Lacquer Desk and Sunburst Clock

October 15, 2009 · Comments { 18 }
Okay, I am a little late to Kate of Centsational Girl’s Where do you Blog Party? This is an older post, but shows my home office where I blog most days and where I purchased some of the pieces. 
It all started with this beautiful home office design by New York’s Amanda Nisbet. The desk, the chair, the mirror layered bulletin board – I loved it all. First, I was on the hunt for just the right desk.
I found one that I liked and within budget at ZGallery – the white lacquer Jett Desk. As much as I loved the glass top in Nisbet’s design, it just didn’t have the storage needed and wouldn’t hide computer electrical cords.
 
To keep the project within budget, I decided to make my own bulletin board from a large stretched canvas I picked up 40 off at Michaels. After gluing a series of cork squares to the canvas (also at Michaels), I wrapped it in solid Navy fabric that was staple-gunned to the back. Nickel nail head – 100s – were hand placed around the bulletin board to mimic a frame. It was a lot of work, but the result was worth it.
Then I was on the lookout for a sunburst mirror and was narrowing down my options when to my surprise I won a sunburst clock from Daily Decorator. Perfect!
Here is my home office today. I am loving my new desk and bulletin board. They look great with the new wall color – Benjamin Moore’s November Rain. 
For additional seating, I added a bamboo and cane sofa with moss velvet cushions from McGuire. The gorgeous throw pillow in turquoise and chartreuse is from Anthropologie.
Now I am keeping my eyes out for a new task lamp for my desk – but don’t tell my husband! Do you have any ideas?

 
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Read full story By on October 15, 2009 in home accessories, interior design, office/study
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