tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23216954752620015772024-02-19T03:25:11.974-08:00Decor "n" More by ShereeLearn some neat tricks for around your house and get some staging and decorating ideas...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-49715117730564028092009-12-13T16:39:00.001-08:002009-12-13T16:43:51.426-08:00Holiday Wreath and Punch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnkCx0PHFJ4BX3trJq4FQa3OjVZh0SVpHhTy25HtZWJB_sMdDUEEbo67PcKSmILRlYQ9WMjDK0SpwLCOw3y7ZI4hq3DVb5_o4AJsefR_GUqzl4d8DOceqdWjSRp4swSayKLZ3nl5ymTqC/s1600-h/Christmas+festivities+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414885908359881762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnkCx0PHFJ4BX3trJq4FQa3OjVZh0SVpHhTy25HtZWJB_sMdDUEEbo67PcKSmILRlYQ9WMjDK0SpwLCOw3y7ZI4hq3DVb5_o4AJsefR_GUqzl4d8DOceqdWjSRp4swSayKLZ3nl5ymTqC/s400/Christmas+festivities+001.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcz1cjvY-mC4k2sN0F3IEBGO0KNdsDOjTq4Fthttue0_8-vqd6n-mLj2nA0zZmdx6zhuPrl2bmwF1hC-b4l4JDiAskf8jK-uBxNWxrlON7E_amzmtQb9TTW5urhHtiu9AwAgsTJhEEBoM/s1600-h/Christmas+festivities+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414885900216823714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcz1cjvY-mC4k2sN0F3IEBGO0KNdsDOjTq4Fthttue0_8-vqd6n-mLj2nA0zZmdx6zhuPrl2bmwF1hC-b4l4JDiAskf8jK-uBxNWxrlON7E_amzmtQb9TTW5urhHtiu9AwAgsTJhEEBoM/s400/Christmas+festivities+002.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYx5-1BsKzdxX-VvjgwGsa-RTjWOZstXCiQkyK81jT0XDWtvXaPAxf5o5Pcj35Txu5msTMH76tQ9BKK_rgpkNO51Xc2rJTU_NMwAUUHoqDopFXgjdMBHHLT40XfmRYoNmQ45JIKJc0whc/s1600-h/Christmas+festivities+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414885894407208562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYx5-1BsKzdxX-VvjgwGsa-RTjWOZstXCiQkyK81jT0XDWtvXaPAxf5o5Pcj35Txu5msTMH76tQ9BKK_rgpkNO51Xc2rJTU_NMwAUUHoqDopFXgjdMBHHLT40XfmRYoNmQ45JIKJc0whc/s400/Christmas+festivities+004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27BIhx8A6G7X-sWamdKcqRANeui8jix659Nz1FmD9MzG-J6Cep5M3ODi0pIpFtF2LEkLZ5I9H0xpiRkAi0d6HwkSNsTRKcg90ol3sIUrinTuGMto8GyzZANLC0Kuz_KKOUGdcWZoTZNML/s1600-h/Christmas+Party-LGshow+017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414885885886243378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27BIhx8A6G7X-sWamdKcqRANeui8jix659Nz1FmD9MzG-J6Cep5M3ODi0pIpFtF2LEkLZ5I9H0xpiRkAi0d6HwkSNsTRKcg90ol3sIUrinTuGMto8GyzZANLC0Kuz_KKOUGdcWZoTZNML/s400/Christmas+Party-LGshow+017.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>SO FUN and EXTREMELY easy! Mix a bottle of champagne, sparkling cidar (I used cranberry) and one of Welches fruit punches together in a bowl.<br /><br /></div><div>For the wreath use a cake pan and fill with water about 1/3 full. Add fun festive fruits in reds and green for Christmas and then freeze. When completely frozen add to the punch and you have an adorable holiday punch with a festive wreath! Guests will love it!</div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-41826736354033925352009-12-04T15:44:00.000-08:002009-12-04T15:52:26.398-08:00Girlie Project...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvNs0XuXuOwFAgm4-HwIvEuvxN1QRjBO64gRcW9TEoTRrHpmJcbwLIoUH2d6TiKk59L7ws8RzIbq5kgManbc0OOod57Auezh-zZiOEhtZahDhOlchUXlHXSZvYDHf-wxZx1XE7BYoAr5I/s1600-h/flower+ball+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411532994161865938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvNs0XuXuOwFAgm4-HwIvEuvxN1QRjBO64gRcW9TEoTRrHpmJcbwLIoUH2d6TiKk59L7ws8RzIbq5kgManbc0OOod57Auezh-zZiOEhtZahDhOlchUXlHXSZvYDHf-wxZx1XE7BYoAr5I/s400/flower+ball+002.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJYdkv5vM52cgNiIR21Pn8mr1acNfmt0Q9AwpT0p4YPpoTjyqg-RZyMyX7_Zvc1JAnAGAFmQpLtsY7OQw2QYvCASU4I8hjTa-DB1cnMbg7PRJXOzdjRPqN1ZBddcs_55hceXjSq8n7ufO/s1600-h/flower+ball+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411532989272371826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJYdkv5vM52cgNiIR21Pn8mr1acNfmt0Q9AwpT0p4YPpoTjyqg-RZyMyX7_Zvc1JAnAGAFmQpLtsY7OQw2QYvCASU4I8hjTa-DB1cnMbg7PRJXOzdjRPqN1ZBddcs_55hceXjSq8n7ufO/s400/flower+ball+003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4FYKdkKINAMr1Eb9ZjHtP373JshzsK-SiUSMymPEZ5cVPMedlys7OEzAi3xuFw5V_RtLp-xTzxk_dTmC3wLZqky0iSjhoXXW5YGpyfd6N7XF0ioPBmftNrz_sXfZc7NZH1Gh_vT1ysMg/s1600-h/flower+ball+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411532986196047458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4FYKdkKINAMr1Eb9ZjHtP373JshzsK-SiUSMymPEZ5cVPMedlys7OEzAi3xuFw5V_RtLp-xTzxk_dTmC3wLZqky0iSjhoXXW5YGpyfd6N7XF0ioPBmftNrz_sXfZc7NZH1Gh_vT1ysMg/s400/flower+ball+001.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>So, not too long ago I was visiting a friend's house and she had these cute round-ball-like things hanging from her daughter's ceiling covered in flowers. She had told me that she got the idea after seeing something similar at Pottery Barn. Pottery Barn price? $65! She made them herself. I thought it would go well in Maliyah's room and decided to give it a shot myself! I bought a large round ball (for keeping flowers and such in-place) from Michaels for about $6. Then I bought several fake flower-stems that ran me about $10. I used my glue gun to put the flowers just where I wanted them...voila! </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-91905406666263191982009-11-29T20:02:00.001-08:002009-11-29T20:15:07.056-08:00Centerpieces for the Holidays...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6Pd4oD3nGS2NgerAxMnC52yWyKCKys8RJCwGLyuOjvAae71zojqbFDdAXp96jknFB4YXw4QEEhDS9NOSJGyIzdmhq4j_iVNpujEtY1rnk85HCVtECZaTKUjBedqYBiJtywifvxL9tY_O/s1600/Thanksgiving+09+022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409744790670641394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6Pd4oD3nGS2NgerAxMnC52yWyKCKys8RJCwGLyuOjvAae71zojqbFDdAXp96jknFB4YXw4QEEhDS9NOSJGyIzdmhq4j_iVNpujEtY1rnk85HCVtECZaTKUjBedqYBiJtywifvxL9tY_O/s400/Thanksgiving+09+022.JPG" /></a> I used three glass vases of various shapes and sizes. I filled each vase by layering cranberries, paper snow and mini-ornaments on top. I put a round, red-glittered candle in one and three cranberry stems in another. I finished the winter centerpiece-off by using fake snow beneath!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lwvPScFCzoT8eNiwhYqxaep32JkDX1KWFhcH-WkPAy3iNsp-9nsjiBXN7dKZT9Y9NZ6wOjxJ_jLwRnS_uJeOfMEnUMlqaDDvvzi3sQgf6LjxXWzhZofBR0D_dR8UaHHRCEBar7P6Wy5h/s1600/xmas+decorating+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409744786101232866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lwvPScFCzoT8eNiwhYqxaep32JkDX1KWFhcH-WkPAy3iNsp-9nsjiBXN7dKZT9Y9NZ6wOjxJ_jLwRnS_uJeOfMEnUMlqaDDvvzi3sQgf6LjxXWzhZofBR0D_dR8UaHHRCEBar7P6Wy5h/s400/xmas+decorating+003.JPG" /></a> Got a great deal on this green hurricane! I found it today at Value Village. When I got home I filled it with all my left-over ornaments...so fun!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-62936952357448198542009-11-18T18:59:00.000-08:002009-11-18T19:17:27.513-08:00Decorating Ideas for the Holidays...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzwuKOGYnudx5l9igR3VKP9_77MHEoSRlSUmjbuh8febWzCwum6j6Z8EMy9i1_ST_QiUguYAEuNobz8iUzaLc5IDzJ9-bg0g12h7SEa7Y8pMnwhkMRFbAgehyphenhyphenUmVDh8_6NEHlzTR3UI8g/s1600/xmas+decorating+014.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405644381490149058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzwuKOGYnudx5l9igR3VKP9_77MHEoSRlSUmjbuh8febWzCwum6j6Z8EMy9i1_ST_QiUguYAEuNobz8iUzaLc5IDzJ9-bg0g12h7SEa7Y8pMnwhkMRFbAgehyphenhyphenUmVDh8_6NEHlzTR3UI8g/s320/xmas+decorating+014.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Start by removing all of your current decor and accessories(including your wall hangings). Replace focal pieces with other holiday-themed decorative pieces that are equally impressive (like the twinkling snowflake above the fireplace). Turn your home into a "Winter Wonderland" by using angel hair or other different types of faux snow on most of your table-top, countertop, shelving holiday accessories. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDXwgcdR24rRJ11R4R6kHOku-oCldXK-U_B7EoKZdzyBauzNAwua7MNv_EY7t4iLJSv1KAXBhAhOASPMz4pnBFk3TfFTOb8dvU2JdZNhmAGF59ZZ02Gf8CgO_VpgeblzVMZGfPwWmYNZD/s1600/xmas+decorating+011.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405644375195248994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDXwgcdR24rRJ11R4R6kHOku-oCldXK-U_B7EoKZdzyBauzNAwua7MNv_EY7t4iLJSv1KAXBhAhOASPMz4pnBFk3TfFTOb8dvU2JdZNhmAGF59ZZ02Gf8CgO_VpgeblzVMZGfPwWmYNZD/s320/xmas+decorating+011.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Replace your current decorative candles with holiday-themed candles. I first sprinkled some paper-"snow" at the bottom and then placed the candle on top.<br /><br />In the photo below I removed the leaf, draped the decorative table cloth and then placed the leaf on top of the table to add more decor at a higher level. I placed garland and lights around the leaf and filled the top with candles and other holiday decorations. The lower portion of the table will be used for platters when hosting a Christmas party.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM6PbCXgdS8UsfNHeeckpYwBmExgCy7BoVh7RbpJKTpwsPneG1u3XqUAcXEK8g-mc_Xhkr0E5c2IIxw0FhvotcHoxXrXkRVStP6VCGJi4jODTUPYdnWJ1yhhwo8MU1j7IwDWe6f7CeR5y/s1600/xmas+decorating+008.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405644373441385650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM6PbCXgdS8UsfNHeeckpYwBmExgCy7BoVh7RbpJKTpwsPneG1u3XqUAcXEK8g-mc_Xhkr0E5c2IIxw0FhvotcHoxXrXkRVStP6VCGJi4jODTUPYdnWJ1yhhwo8MU1j7IwDWe6f7CeR5y/s320/xmas+decorating+008.JPG" /></a><br />Great activity for kids and a way to include them in the decorating process? Have your children make paper snowflakes. Then, watch them come to life as you place them on your windows and spray liquid snow around them. Carefully peel the snowflakes from your window and...voila, it's snowing.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2fyTazfG_GaTyAqR7jbkBKO0AWP0Ak7imUGI6qngG5JwkQRor_jZ796RrqjfB9DVCP5HzkTGZp2_aaanQR3aNYXRPDW3CKKvDoNrN-8x3BRU2WSxa93Tc9A0xiqf5GedL9qD2GFrelU7/s1600/xmas+decorating+002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405644367697247458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2fyTazfG_GaTyAqR7jbkBKO0AWP0Ak7imUGI6qngG5JwkQRor_jZ796RrqjfB9DVCP5HzkTGZp2_aaanQR3aNYXRPDW3CKKvDoNrN-8x3BRU2WSxa93Tc9A0xiqf5GedL9qD2GFrelU7/s320/xmas+decorating+002.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Buy some white ribbon and snowflakes (you can find these anywhere that sells tree ornaments). At various levels hang the snowflakes over a kitchen island or eating area. You can also do this from a chandelier. I found this awesome bulb-ornament at Target for $4! LOVE IT!</div><div> </div><div>This is the beginning...I'm not done yet! I still have some decor to fish-out of my garage and add to places here and there...I haven't started much on my formal living room and I still have to get the tree up and decorated. Hopefully I've inspired you to start thinking about your holiday decorating!<br /><br /></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-22057297796740754942009-11-06T14:42:00.001-08:002009-11-06T14:51:19.132-08:00Wall Ribbon...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCSCQbyMce2m145kS4_7WxGHs4Cgechj67PyZ1J57tp-GTmVWmPW9rQ4NOMxf47y4Rz50g51WeOyKo-bci39aWhqySqiB_dd97hDe5dcS_RPbRBwVwdHF9sXLTztKR73Uq-qPa3o5sxE1/s1600-h/Rachel's+office+completed+025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401126169662817874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCSCQbyMce2m145kS4_7WxGHs4Cgechj67PyZ1J57tp-GTmVWmPW9rQ4NOMxf47y4Rz50g51WeOyKo-bci39aWhqySqiB_dd97hDe5dcS_RPbRBwVwdHF9sXLTztKR73Uq-qPa3o5sxE1/s400/Rachel's+office+completed+025.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401126163091777330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pacF03O4UWM496O5FCPtJELr1woId_FhyphenhyphenxtDsilq8Uxgwm8LUqZ8TyWg1PDL0ix2cNZn6-lGmCaPQvajBLol4M_C2bIe0QHHQALt4wtqFnlsKONtoQY_CstzWfKq-p32aCS69JJaobNl/s400/window+treatments+007.JPG" /><br /><div>While recently decorating a home office- I came across a situation, I didn't know what to do to balance the room because once I had all the furniture in place, I found that there was still a huge absense between the 8X10 photo frames up to the ceilings (which were 12ft high). The wall just seemed, well, naked (even with the photos). I remembered something I saw online that looked really cool and I thought, "maybe I can do something similar?" So I stopped-off at the fabric store, I found some affordable printed-fabric and some nice ribbon to go with my color scheme in the office. I brought my glue gun with me and since I was short on time and not much of a sewer (yet), I used my glue gun to finish edges. I created a thick ribbon (made from the fabric) and accented it with actual ribbon down the center as it hangs from the ceiling down to the photo frame. This gives the appearance that the frames are hanging from the "ribbon." </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-65294205963099359382009-11-06T08:59:00.000-08:002009-11-06T09:14:58.727-08:00Window Treatments "for Dummies"...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXcWGhgBUSHkrN8f-gsVe-6-gPRMcxIdThfkTXG8kQxipVUn7iz65dIMgQ5hD68lZXO88eUZGjudOX6LSls7-g3gKQClKSKjQQwKYYMgB0DAWZWWl6iHS8BJxI1fDxjllFyHEyFVJYEWQ/s1600-h/window+treatments+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401036572112251858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXcWGhgBUSHkrN8f-gsVe-6-gPRMcxIdThfkTXG8kQxipVUn7iz65dIMgQ5hD68lZXO88eUZGjudOX6LSls7-g3gKQClKSKjQQwKYYMgB0DAWZWWl6iHS8BJxI1fDxjllFyHEyFVJYEWQ/s400/window+treatments+005.JPG" /></a> I am MOST definately NOT going to claim that I am an expert with window treatments. Infact, I would probably guess that window treatments are the least of my decorating gifts. However, I have found that by simply "playing" with what you've got, sometimes it can appear as though you DO know what you're doing. One of my favorite things to do is "revamp" things that I already have in the house. As I sifted through some of my staging items I came across a bin with some old creamy-buttery sheers that I had used in our last home. I must have boxed them away for storage, staging, or even to give to the Goodwill. Anyhow, I threw them in the washer and decided to try and use them. Problem was, they were long and my room-darkening curtains were shorter, I didn't know how this would look together. I played with a few ideas and the above is what I came-up with. I used a hair-tie to bring two sheers together in the middle of the window and looped the bottom through (much like making a pony-tail with your own hair). Then I left a little "bubble" or "bun," if you will, as to not let the sheers hang on the floor. To bring-in the brown from the curtains I tied some leftover ribbon around the center as a nice accent...and, vwwwwwa-la! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nYPWkcxeR9-p2YXvA_zH_uUxcemjw77sPrivP6rc58XVeEhvzfLybTHx_C6QLWQX9kFJhY9Nt4Zu6bdKXTAqmI2sb-AxlLLA2KbG_hoNTCDL7sA5Cr0ByhW4zCxOcAKEAVtzSKyra-gw/s1600-h/window+treatments+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401036568706405650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nYPWkcxeR9-p2YXvA_zH_uUxcemjw77sPrivP6rc58XVeEhvzfLybTHx_C6QLWQX9kFJhY9Nt4Zu6bdKXTAqmI2sb-AxlLLA2KbG_hoNTCDL7sA5Cr0ByhW4zCxOcAKEAVtzSKyra-gw/s400/window+treatments+006.JPG" /></a> My son has some very basic panels hanging in his room. Recently I started getting into little projects that required ribbon. While I was at the store I came across this cute baseball ribbon and immediately thought of my son's room. I bought a small amount and used it to accent his curtains and make them a little more trendy. Stylish, but still boyish too!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-lJWHLWjFchL9T9XjElYtL_Bjnu8Ynp3jfbDhaNtiQxbHg-prmMF0AKg7Oe-336LVHowpNH8FKBseXt_4Q-cuLKeuUwCYT2bndNxlCdFupD0IiusbAZ-XzlVmeqIGgxsm2-f69txpmK5/s1600-h/window+treatments+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401036562811318194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-lJWHLWjFchL9T9XjElYtL_Bjnu8Ynp3jfbDhaNtiQxbHg-prmMF0AKg7Oe-336LVHowpNH8FKBseXt_4Q-cuLKeuUwCYT2bndNxlCdFupD0IiusbAZ-XzlVmeqIGgxsm2-f69txpmK5/s400/window+treatments+010.JPG" /></a> Before I had this set-up, I ONLY had the two soft-aquah colored sheers hanging from each side of the window. I found my brown micro-fiber curtains stored-away and again, thought, what can I do with these? I started to play with these in my family room and I LOVE the way it really warmed-up the space. I brought the sheers together again in the center and I used a napkin right to hold it. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaz5MnqhUgxBQLDmvHn08Cq_VcPn-nATGlqlBIc_-129Z2lasptTe5r_AQG8Zq6CSX9Hsgbepc1Dfe2eMyZg7Ia_u-Kk8K7kJr1E-_8aZgcE8TR3HY_K5V7NRmhSp9XMrmDRFNGZ7VxRs/s1600-h/window+treatments+011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401036554156030818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaz5MnqhUgxBQLDmvHn08Cq_VcPn-nATGlqlBIc_-129Z2lasptTe5r_AQG8Zq6CSX9Hsgbepc1Dfe2eMyZg7Ia_u-Kk8K7kJr1E-_8aZgcE8TR3HY_K5V7NRmhSp9XMrmDRFNGZ7VxRs/s400/window+treatments+011.JPG" /></a><br />Once again, in this space I only had the sheer-scarf that hangs along the top of the window and down on both sides. It looked nice but the added micro-fiber curtains added texture and warmth to the room. I love microfiber! It is very practical and cleans easy!</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6E1j4IiCOMfAbFn8bqNzqMjpMrxr9u3QsUuWCVfn9qSH6mLr7ItXURLjB5fd4wAtc79SxS7528yyHtwq2WPjdtszk8Iy4_hfXw3ian9JJghZ9KtU-z_AtMFcaWFmDImLxv5tk-k6C5eBb/s1600-h/window+treatments+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401036548560097794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6E1j4IiCOMfAbFn8bqNzqMjpMrxr9u3QsUuWCVfn9qSH6mLr7ItXURLjB5fd4wAtc79SxS7528yyHtwq2WPjdtszk8Iy4_hfXw3ian9JJghZ9KtU-z_AtMFcaWFmDImLxv5tk-k6C5eBb/s400/window+treatments+015.JPG" /></a>I am not a big spender when it comes to decor and I'll tell you why...I like to be on-trend and I know how quickly things go out-of-style. Therefore, i don't want to go and spend mucho dollars on something I'm not going to like in a year or two. I also know that one can take inexpensive items, suchas, sheers and curtain panels and make them look trendy and stylish without having to break the bank. So, my suggestion is to get a fabric that you like, that is affordable, and "play" with it until you come-up with something you are comfortable with! Much of what I do was not planned, I just happened to find something I liked and then got home and figured-out what to do with it! Happy decorating!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-39260990225147109392009-10-14T15:22:00.000-07:002009-10-14T19:32:20.114-07:00This is What the Client is Saying...<span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#663366;"></span></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#663366;">"Sheree did a fantastic job on my home office/makeup studio. I didn't have a lot of money to spend but I really needed to transform the space into something more professional. More importantly, I had a very important timeline to work with in...2 days!! Sheree came over, gave me a thorough consultation and promptly got to work. She communicated with me through out the entire process so that I was never left out of any of the decision making. She will be the first one I call when it's time to do another room in our house! Very professional & great to work with!"</span></em></strong><br /></span><br />-Rachel JamisonUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-52074335159162771022009-10-10T16:40:00.000-07:002009-10-10T17:15:57.684-07:00Home Office Make-Over<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9jJoWwW1HViP7P1vhfPrx48bHFG_K4o4EH4S_LVqzmDO8D1GOk5s8UdH5Ge5JN3wm808rtrTiUKjAfOkke50kI_jcVMNhp8nrCXTXOozXFBiSTvZNnFo5Z7cFd2Sd6rxANObJ0t74NGX/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391124297251531202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9jJoWwW1HViP7P1vhfPrx48bHFG_K4o4EH4S_LVqzmDO8D1GOk5s8UdH5Ge5JN3wm808rtrTiUKjAfOkke50kI_jcVMNhp8nrCXTXOozXFBiSTvZNnFo5Z7cFd2Sd6rxANObJ0t74NGX/s400/039.JPG" /></a> View of owners cubicle-area "before" the make-over.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3hwduNGeW6s0CkV9ZK2gq4OSx63N2ODg8Yqi1wYVNxpgZkuCIgVQh6schH_969g7Y_YJX7f4u5JvXIR8OZj38b59zgq0Nj2VnA6BdMSrR4TnWTrO_Lm4v4CbCWDEXC0a7bq9YloxD-nD/s1600-h/Rachel's+office+completed+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391124291285620770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3hwduNGeW6s0CkV9ZK2gq4OSx63N2ODg8Yqi1wYVNxpgZkuCIgVQh6schH_969g7Y_YJX7f4u5JvXIR8OZj38b59zgq0Nj2VnA6BdMSrR4TnWTrO_Lm4v4CbCWDEXC0a7bq9YloxD-nD/s400/Rachel's+office+completed+015.JPG" /></a> Tilt your head to the left...still haven't figured-out how to turn a blog photo. The "new" cubicle area after the make-over.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjW07vHldl84SbvhW_VRay0N_mtRXgmMb0HUsMV12x9b_jcqAKHGeUozefy9pxtdg0qnD1SSnKZ8QYS4uHa0lIPWDZx_7e2wqUU5kjE4rmgqOKXPjNQ2Ore3rt42KlzkVWTjFJOx3EQG2/s1600-h/Rachel's+office+completed+018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391124062991647314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjW07vHldl84SbvhW_VRay0N_mtRXgmMb0HUsMV12x9b_jcqAKHGeUozefy9pxtdg0qnD1SSnKZ8QYS4uHa0lIPWDZx_7e2wqUU5kjE4rmgqOKXPjNQ2Ore3rt42KlzkVWTjFJOx3EQG2/s400/Rachel's+office+completed+018.JPG" /></a> The wall phrase above client chair.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ248vi02Baf_YBwAieKq2lnv2X-EzR99XPfaJROpVjMST421p2qq0wjJRCXhcpKeZ1svlGKfRZMEqWk_uJ6_YxKJv4X70JsDoBiFzivhiEKOuk6Ms9gSvs_zWAwhwc2JL_n5HDCyegAZ9/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391123640040388658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ248vi02Baf_YBwAieKq2lnv2X-EzR99XPfaJROpVjMST421p2qq0wjJRCXhcpKeZ1svlGKfRZMEqWk_uJ6_YxKJv4X70JsDoBiFzivhiEKOuk6Ms9gSvs_zWAwhwc2JL_n5HDCyegAZ9/s400/035.JPG" /></a><br />Make-up/work-area pre-make-over.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKXabSi7zc6T6EUcK3eu7EDiU4gCMXNJ0t3nvtAokzKwIkq4rVmSfidxC55vAYd2oQlQAF1e65sCUxMTC5FJ4TYDadCxj9OMaFkAl8a4Ay-mRyip43NBBZelhAE4ZroKmi73DSLmyAxrr/s1600-h/Rachel's+office+completed+013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391123631050073442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKXabSi7zc6T6EUcK3eu7EDiU4gCMXNJ0t3nvtAokzKwIkq4rVmSfidxC55vAYd2oQlQAF1e65sCUxMTC5FJ4TYDadCxj9OMaFkAl8a4Ay-mRyip43NBBZelhAE4ZroKmi73DSLmyAxrr/s400/Rachel's+office+completed+013.JPG" /></a><br />After.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtyUvMWSSMhQtmsRrPSybCZ5ycG2qe0eWW4AmxCFy4KFGFRj1ImCKWoiHyQSd75NMeio-1DU2k3pDP3jMr1ffhGuKm1ofR_eRbB3XBxXMjAjKqE1zxw5wPHPk7GBJzHS573mdhltmQ-Fj/s1600-h/036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391123622800719986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtyUvMWSSMhQtmsRrPSybCZ5ycG2qe0eWW4AmxCFy4KFGFRj1ImCKWoiHyQSd75NMeio-1DU2k3pDP3jMr1ffhGuKm1ofR_eRbB3XBxXMjAjKqE1zxw5wPHPk7GBJzHS573mdhltmQ-Fj/s400/036.JPG" /></a><br />Entrance to the room "before."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHIbxxNtCmaLaTffEBlayvqz5J3lrlyzDsTYTB4o2NIOyeq1kIiDd2XnyeFIsLU2BkKjGtSIw-qjnIuzpPFsPccOaW5ixfx99CN8Zuea-c054k3rmqYgMe4XdpY0_BvECZDMEwDvTTswt/s1600-h/Rachel's+office+completed+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391123615447390914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHIbxxNtCmaLaTffEBlayvqz5J3lrlyzDsTYTB4o2NIOyeq1kIiDd2XnyeFIsLU2BkKjGtSIw-qjnIuzpPFsPccOaW5ixfx99CN8Zuea-c054k3rmqYgMe4XdpY0_BvECZDMEwDvTTswt/s400/Rachel's+office+completed+012.JPG" /></a> "After."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Just under a year ago Terry and I met a sweet family while our kids (Malakai and Jaedon) were playing basketball on opposing teams. The boys had a great time running the court and we exchanged introductions and had some playdates. Recently, Rachel, Jaedon's Mom posted a status update on FB looking for someone to help her with her home office, where she applies make-up on women for special events and weddings. I jumped at the opportunity to help Rachel with her space and we exchanged a few emails prior to me visiting her home. She gave me an idea of the budget and we discussed a plan and something to use as inspiration to set the mood for the space. After Rachel showed me the curtains she "fell in-love with" I suggested choosing an accent color and off I ran with the inspiration. Rachel chose a damask off-white and black patterned curtain, pink as the accent color and a soft beigy brown color for her walls - which compliments the carpets, woodwork, and furniture. She told me she wanted something where her clients could relax and feel "at-ease" on their "big day." I chose some decorative items (w/a budget in-mind)and accessories to highlight the romantic idea of a wedding day and other special occasions, along with candles and sophisticated touches to create a spa-like environment. The painting took one day and the actual decorating just a 1/2 day. Much of the work was removing everything from the room so I could paint and reposition furniture, then decorate. Thank goodness Rachel and her husband took care of removing everything and repositioning the large pieces at my request. I had such a great time letting my creative juices flow and making-over this home office. I believe it achieved just the right amount of elegance and sophistication for it's purpose. Enjoy.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-91222843319367699532009-09-06T13:58:00.000-07:002009-09-06T15:00:31.683-07:00Helping You Organize Your Play-Space<p> </p><p>Six tips to a clean and more organized playroom!<br /><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBY1azyJR8zehg_3rMkfVH8DL9YBMkmjZkeqF3F3cDhL9dV2UWnoeQqHQytTk2D_Od-GEPx-oCNor0hItCOR8nTP-eIu68x6qyqKaoRkhTcErq5pEN2DJoyg45x7uVmzeR2gCngVHy8AZ/s1600-h/bowl+sept+09+013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378470176606786946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBY1azyJR8zehg_3rMkfVH8DL9YBMkmjZkeqF3F3cDhL9dV2UWnoeQqHQytTk2D_Od-GEPx-oCNor0hItCOR8nTP-eIu68x6qyqKaoRkhTcErq5pEN2DJoyg45x7uVmzeR2gCngVHy8AZ/s400/bowl+sept+09+013.JPG" /></a> Many people purchase some kind of shelving unit to hold the oh-so many toys our children receive in their young lives. Hoping to declutter their play-space and organzie things a bit, parents run out and spend hundreds of dollors on shelving and different sorts of bins to "organize" things. There is however, a few tricks to actually making a storage system work. First off, we can't be fooled and think that the space is somehow going to look better if we just buy some kind of storage system to throw the toys into. Yes, toy boxes are a fabulous way to conceal the clutter that toys bring into a space, but when we get overwhelmed, as most parents do, we have to consider how to keep the space looking neat and organized while at the same time be practical! Toyboxes are a great option, but once we have more than 2 in a room we start to take-up valuable play-space. A shelving unit like the one pictured above is a great option for storage while maintaining a clean and organized environment. Here are a few tips to organizing a playroom.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>1. LESS is MORE. Prior to major holidays (Christmas, birthdays, Easter) any time when children will be receiving more toys, go through the playroom and get rid of toys that they no longer need, play with, have outgrown, or are broken, etc...this is a MUST to keep the space organized. Get rid of large objects taking-up space...if they don't play with it - they DON'T need it. Goodwill, consignment, or someone you know would love to have it. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>3. Use your walls. I have hooks on the walls to hang princess dresses and other costumes...get things off the floor! Instead of a real dollhouse I have a magnetic one that hangs on the wall like a poster, my kids LOVE it! Again, creating more floor-space. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>2. Invest in a large shelving unit and purchase bins/boxes to help conceal the smaller toys (dolls, barbies, cars, figurines, etc.). We found ours at IKEA. I keep all the boxes at "kid-level" so they can peek in and choose what they want to pull-out. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>3. Books. Keep similar things together. I decided to use the two middle squares for books. Organzie from tall to short for a cleaner appearance. On the right I have games that are boxed. I have organized them from large to small or thick to think for a tower affect and placed them in the center vs. pushing them to one side. One square holds puzzles and puzzle pieces. Notice I have placed the pieces in baskets to avoid mis-placing them. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>4. Stuffed Animals. As parents, most of us are on the same page with those darn animals. Right when we weed them out someone goes along and buys the kids MORE stuffed animals. If an animal has a special memory or event attached to it and it is important to a family member then hang on to it. If it is a "lovey" hang on to it. If it was expensive or just plain adorable, go ahead and keep it. But get rid of all those cheap carnival animals and the ones that just have no meaning. I probably still have too many for my liking, but I'll be taking care of that soon enough. My opinion sticks on the stuffed animals, LESS is MORE! Too many just look too messy! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>5. My next task is to actually label these boxes. I think a white puffy paint will make-do but there are so many other creative ways of making adorable labels. Pre-painted wood figures can be found relatively cheap at Michael's. You could purchase a "car" and glue it on the front of one of the boxes(kids would then know to return car-like toys to that box).<br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>6. Finally, the floor. Kids are messy. There's no way around that...however, one way that has helped our family keep the playroom carpets clean is buy using kid-themed area rugs or cushion-puzzles. Whether the kids color with pens, paint, or use play-doh in the playroom- area rugs can save the day! I hope these little tips have given you some motivation to get to organizing! Good luck!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-47945633386197929322009-09-04T08:28:00.000-07:002009-09-04T09:02:36.012-07:00Tips around the House...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E788FABaJ9lvQzxX-fJFUdhiknysf_TS7VH87OYG39tl8cPPkf_UdE43KMPvRv95ksiRy6HDN0_HVc2m88Iy2Tn50i9vdZmdoU-IB3xuSKaECZg-5_kkSi25mYnfsY-QbNAKnqzPDx4o/s1600-h/House+09%27+030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377635662037166466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E788FABaJ9lvQzxX-fJFUdhiknysf_TS7VH87OYG39tl8cPPkf_UdE43KMPvRv95ksiRy6HDN0_HVc2m88Iy2Tn50i9vdZmdoU-IB3xuSKaECZg-5_kkSi25mYnfsY-QbNAKnqzPDx4o/s400/House+09%27+030.JPG" /></a> Every once in a while I get the urge to do a thorough clean-up and organize around the house. As I got everything done, I decided it was time for me to finally add a new post to this blog...it's almost been a year! This is our theatre room. Try to see past the Raiders-Lakers decor and how the room is balanced. On both sides we have different decor but everything "mirrors," if you will, something on the opposite side of the room. The decor does not have to be the same shape or size, but in the same spot directly on the opposite side of the room. This accomplishes balance and makes everything flow nicely, aka, Feng Shui. Under the Raiders jacket is a toybox (not pictured)...it plays opposite the hanging sign below the Raiders banner. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBghs3c28Vy8trx_K-Ssv0_NN3zmzCObe7E0Y4YC9DziOBx9MpmXjRnjZ_nglGMLlGUnOc_6d0Dq6UUy_uU18QIA_zfsP9zdMEq0jTjITb2dZIKD-E8jPBbLgdrECj9IoLdTzTd8z-xfL/s1600-h/House+09%27+029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377635651182789874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBghs3c28Vy8trx_K-Ssv0_NN3zmzCObe7E0Y4YC9DziOBx9MpmXjRnjZ_nglGMLlGUnOc_6d0Dq6UUy_uU18QIA_zfsP9zdMEq0jTjITb2dZIKD-E8jPBbLgdrECj9IoLdTzTd8z-xfL/s400/House+09%27+029.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzhRT2UO_3WezXdYm2MJsCK7Wekh2hCd1MCGIpcJok1Vx5WgbAca3ZLFo9LiEriC7uSRJomDBvHmrDMM_wEHw6CxYG6lpPDjRQGQv6I2HpTCwotEduJP3GxsDCdNWLpekBII7FyY98Klz/s1600-h/House+09%27+031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377635646319383634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzhRT2UO_3WezXdYm2MJsCK7Wekh2hCd1MCGIpcJok1Vx5WgbAca3ZLFo9LiEriC7uSRJomDBvHmrDMM_wEHw6CxYG6lpPDjRQGQv6I2HpTCwotEduJP3GxsDCdNWLpekBII7FyY98Klz/s400/House+09%27+031.JPG" /></a> Color. I love color. Many people are "afraid" of color. I use to be more bold in paint-colors but have since mellowed-out a bit. A few years back while my husband and I were "flipping" a couple homes I learned of the importance of color choices and re-sell value. Of course, if you are in a home for good or plan on staying a long length of time there is nothing wrong with bolder options that fit your personality. Paint can easily and affordably be changed. At our house, I now choose to use neutral colors with what I call "punches" of accent colors in the decor and on either one wall or a section of wall. Here you can see orange and green-blue accents in various places of the space. On the encove (family room, above fireplace) we have chosen a soft mint-green color to accent the space. I LOVE IT! When I'm feeling like my kitchen and/or nook-space looks a little boring- I will set the table and add a few "punches" of color to spice things up for a while. Notice the flowers. I also love bringing the outdoors in...this is refreshing and welcoming. Try fresh flowers in any space where you and guests can see them upon walking-into the room. This is very welcoming and a great way to add color. <br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3lNYqoet_yltYGNoxmDbZy8yIPxKqz9lEPzHL1rerVRD-ukKV2rXDt8CsTtmqp5wclNU_3wmYinSiYTU9j-BCBYCMgt1vo7Sa8svRQx45tDcHGInG0zyH0yfQJKpi4k-zT3Dbei4rse9/s1600-h/House+09%27+023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377635287197520898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3lNYqoet_yltYGNoxmDbZy8yIPxKqz9lEPzHL1rerVRD-ukKV2rXDt8CsTtmqp5wclNU_3wmYinSiYTU9j-BCBYCMgt1vo7Sa8svRQx45tDcHGInG0zyH0yfQJKpi4k-zT3Dbei4rse9/s400/House+09%27+023.JPG" /></a><br />Most people love pictures. Especially when they are of close family and friends full of great memories and moments. However, pictures can become overwhelming and look very cluttering in a space. Save personal photos for hallways and staircases. These area areas we pass by often enough to view and enjoy the photos but do not make a space look cluttered. Keep in mind that when hanging pictures you should have a theme or pattern to your display. This will help things looking neat and clean.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF3xlec7__OUrhbqB3zfVO13A-goUx5ajDGvRp7i-4qCt8RJ7Ty-Z2Grn6duQEy2cSMCtCGu-xIV_LE_9edyDswZYHMtMhIaiwTF48DMQEbw761ptBWoV9ChanGBc1mkZ9waah4uStHv8/s1600-h/House+09%27+017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377635279463897778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF3xlec7__OUrhbqB3zfVO13A-goUx5ajDGvRp7i-4qCt8RJ7Ty-Z2Grn6duQEy2cSMCtCGu-xIV_LE_9edyDswZYHMtMhIaiwTF48DMQEbw761ptBWoV9ChanGBc1mkZ9waah4uStHv8/s400/House+09%27+017.JPG" /></a><br />I love my kitchen. The granite, cabinetry, hardwoods and backsplash speak for themselves. However, I use small pieces to throw in some color, some personality if you will. Here are my green mugs. Also, I enjoy placing small "displays" in areas that actually give a "name" to the space...like this example near my coffee pot- "Espresso Bar."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jM6YFAp5omI7y3iQzGfYqtx5ZtXd4MkvL8ocV8XxS1WKyIp3wLzo4DpKvJNz3yOu2zsDiWa0g_WoMHOyJS_X6cY6l1Fw4tgmLpgRYs9fbvuvqZF5xobnkxXcJHlt_HFpMkXoz9prGoDZ/s1600-h/House+09%27+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377635272143373298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jM6YFAp5omI7y3iQzGfYqtx5ZtXd4MkvL8ocV8XxS1WKyIp3wLzo4DpKvJNz3yOu2zsDiWa0g_WoMHOyJS_X6cY6l1Fw4tgmLpgRYs9fbvuvqZF5xobnkxXcJHlt_HFpMkXoz9prGoDZ/s400/House+09%27+014.JPG" /></a> DECLUTTER. Only place your most needed/used items on counters in your kitchen. Kitchens can look messy very quickly. Canisters are somewhat decorative, coffee pots, toasters and kitchen knives are used almost daily at our house...so they stay out. Notice where I have thrown-in some color...the sheers, the centerpiece (with pot-pourri), mugs, flowers, etc.<br />LESS IS MORE in the kitchen!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7kfuvuhcUWpAn42Pm0YOidTe2VdxmbRJv1bAALdEDZivWnQ0_kWaNy82Q-0mSTUnX2WGpI6g16kYjGCf0e4zjTKcPUznoWMBA6NUtsyQZMYvZnYwauObysjSzYk4NS5Wrtvy8fGiA-yD/s1600-h/House+09%27+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377635262757395282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7kfuvuhcUWpAn42Pm0YOidTe2VdxmbRJv1bAALdEDZivWnQ0_kWaNy82Q-0mSTUnX2WGpI6g16kYjGCf0e4zjTKcPUznoWMBA6NUtsyQZMYvZnYwauObysjSzYk4NS5Wrtvy8fGiA-yD/s400/House+09%27+012.JPG" /></a><br />Another example of "punches" or "splashes" of color. Our front living space is the first room one sees when entering our home. A very trendy color scheme now is red and orange with aqua and/or green. I recently had this front room painted from red to a neutral brown color and repainted the staircase wall with an orange terra-cotta color. More neutral, easier for re-sell and easy to change the one wall if needbe. All the color but the orange wall can be removed and changed-out if I get the itch to change the color scheme, the wall is small and the color can be changed easily and affordably.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSM0pA7_CIVv18kJJN7CIiknmptzvyLSdAuy8lgkttio1TYCqTB2phA6NjhlZonopJ5Qbw9qn5C8fTs-bAfblf5wglM6aom_Do3HYOhz8L7ghOMLl5dOzhdrGskxJYom3pugCdeLpHCGM/s1600-h/House+09%27+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377635253185221570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSM0pA7_CIVv18kJJN7CIiknmptzvyLSdAuy8lgkttio1TYCqTB2phA6NjhlZonopJ5Qbw9qn5C8fTs-bAfblf5wglM6aom_Do3HYOhz8L7ghOMLl5dOzhdrGskxJYom3pugCdeLpHCGM/s400/House+09%27+008.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Last but not least, our bedroom. Pillows. I love pillows. Sure you have to take them on and off everyday, but they look good. They make you want to jump in and snuggle-up. They look more luxurious than say a comforter thrown over the pillows you sleep on everynight. Also a great opportunity to add color. Notice the nightstand. Fresh flowers. Welcoming, calming, beautiful. Try to work decorative pieces in 3 and 5's. Otherwise decorations can look unbalanced and/or cluttered. Candles in a bedroom are comforting and romantic. Notice the hanging candle from the ceiling above the bed...there are 2, one on each side. </div><div> </div><div>Thank you for visiting today and I hope you found some of the tips helpful. Now go tidy-up!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-3378895500299873092008-11-20T09:03:00.001-08:002008-11-20T09:10:31.382-08:00Tip? Using Mirrors.<div><br /></div><br /><div>Add mirrors to an entry or foyer to make the first impression warm and inviting. For some reason when there is a mirror in an entry and people see their own reflection, it gives us a sense of welcoming. Mirrors are also great accessories for smaller rooms in order to make them appear larger or for rooms where you may want to view a beautiful reflection.</div><div> </div><div>Be careful when using mirrors. Always know what the mirror will reflect. For example, a mirror leaning agains the wall on top of a fire mantel will only reflect the ceiling, not the best view. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>This mirror is in a small half bathroom facing the builder's mirror...the continuous reflection makes the room seem larger than it is.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270787154560293042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpA8ipdmsiK9eLqy-p8q-BegiJpMzAjTw-4fpEDvorZVOFiuEQXMsWAtmGnpTPliNt3G4YM5_7F0hiXRCWtcDZrT1pTn5S9w1eqZvsMDx0-6K87NNgXi4khA6_EeEU5Pc9k-uHKn83jzg/s200/IMG_1275.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>This is a small mirror in the entryway. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270787152553199858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xx_7ECQuLMzjfnWrsDzYbESNAIVUjB8x0zzHDkdhv113k1ZEg73UVx263MBSTNVGOWBrAtAY7LnRXqyqRz327reS39fCe2QBOHsaj3MtbtrL4KnB7pgJWBvI8tLEYMLgMJ8FwdBjOuh2/s200/IMG_1272.JPG" border="0" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-12519588838644082062008-11-07T08:24:00.001-08:002008-11-07T08:39:24.307-08:00Tip: Declutter!As a stager, one of the first things you learn is that decluttering, organizing, cleaning and repairing are among the most important priorities before putting a house on the market. After reading one of my favorite staging books I walked through my front door and tried to put a non-biased eye to work. What did I see when I walked in my own house? Where are my eyes drawn? Is it a negative or a positive that my eyes go to certain areas? What can I do to make the room look better?<br /><br />When I walked in a noticed a few things, 1) I love the color! 2) There seems to be a lot going on 3) In some areas I didnt following the grouping rules set-out in the staging book.<br /><br />Now, this is a home that is being lived-in and we aren't trying to put it on the market yet. however, some of the staging rules can easily apply to a home that is being lived-in. I personally believe that some of the rules can keep your home in good repair and keep your life less-stressed by maintaining a good "flow" and staying neat and organized. I know I personally feel more stressed when things aren't clean and put away. <br /><br />Since my first opinion upon walking into the front room was positive, I didn't have to change anything. But as I continued to glance around I decided that by applying the grouping rule (putting decoritive table items standing alone or in groups of 3 or 5, I could help better-balance the room and make it less-cluttered-looking.<br /><br />I went into my family room and decided to try and move some of the decoritive items around a bit. I traded a couple flower-arrangements since I wanted the nicer, fuller arrangement to stand alone on the dining room table. Doing this, I could remove some of the smaller items from the dining room table and therefore, remove a little clutter. Even nice decor can begin to look like clutter if there is too much of it. Decide what you can live without or if you can move it to another room where a touch of decor is needed. I had a plant stand with an artificial plant on it along with a candle stand and candle. I LOVE both pieces, but it was just too much in the walkway...I moved the stand and plant into my family room (to an area that needed a little something), and I decided to remove the candle stand and candle all together. I will use it for staging now. <br /><br />After I removed a few items and traded items from the other room, the room felt much more balanced, less cluttered, and had a "fresh" look. <br /><br />Try entering a room of your choice. Be hard on yourself. What do you see? What do you like? What can be improved? Make the subtle changes, group things in 1, 3, or 5. Remove things you can live without.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-29228534161853968552008-11-01T14:00:00.000-07:002008-11-01T14:02:22.145-07:00It's official...I completed my AHS course and am now an "accredited Home-Staging Specialist." <br /><br /><div> </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263797137829021458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 84px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2jtrxVLtgBlt5A3dI3oafVMpiyeZ0DmDOlASCgGWZT-owrjLzK5IHthywNS7Phyphenhyphenn-G31EA-s23XvjWqGrmINfGlgoeKH17x7SDBwjTpN7uy8tcWG7o9IM5DcQlYSaIO6ky_d1qJQqyCM/s200/AHS_LOGO_med.jpg" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-18502961549905028642008-10-30T14:29:00.001-07:002008-10-30T14:38:23.358-07:00Tip...get creative...save money!Here's a fun project for your creative side!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGA50egdnUjXFXHxgpB5GAWaNpEGIV2Qr7UJyHHtER-Q0stEAyzZb-eNUFnEJXtfrY5n0OVVFy134-GVItWGWbeI6tDcaiTmY90XoY3G1kszLGjQAYPO2nY7zcruR6IeLdGggvSfcAikT/s1600-h/Staging+crafts+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263063581959066194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGA50egdnUjXFXHxgpB5GAWaNpEGIV2Qr7UJyHHtER-Q0stEAyzZb-eNUFnEJXtfrY5n0OVVFy134-GVItWGWbeI6tDcaiTmY90XoY3G1kszLGjQAYPO2nY7zcruR6IeLdGggvSfcAikT/s200/Staging+crafts+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>For a girl's room...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9iGUidRXP7rwNsnbS8i9_YFRfSdhZ07gLSCFqdwnLBA_O1zHOa4vt3tQ-1uH0lCljiuiFPe4zMX6x9I1bBHJlKyrV3xSu3RSmghHqABx4m1jRbCNzLr_co-inMPILRy0KZFhSgKfmwjq/s1600-h/Staging+crafts+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263063567557796066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9iGUidRXP7rwNsnbS8i9_YFRfSdhZ07gLSCFqdwnLBA_O1zHOa4vt3tQ-1uH0lCljiuiFPe4zMX6x9I1bBHJlKyrV3xSu3RSmghHqABx4m1jRbCNzLr_co-inMPILRy0KZFhSgKfmwjq/s200/Staging+crafts+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>For a child's room or play-space...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2_-WcA1PfkiP9PYNL1wfUeN19_zDVBc3kZ8FLcB9ZKi0VJNovufGCAxVX6s3V-TQw6o8ozazlwL3Qj55GraTyWMn697rvsJ92CccLxGbijdMEmhquBkHFO6WggpqAycDLZv1MKlEmZbj/s1600-h/Staging+crafts+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263063550845079746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2_-WcA1PfkiP9PYNL1wfUeN19_zDVBc3kZ8FLcB9ZKi0VJNovufGCAxVX6s3V-TQw6o8ozazlwL3Qj55GraTyWMn697rvsJ92CccLxGbijdMEmhquBkHFO6WggpqAycDLZv1MKlEmZbj/s200/Staging+crafts+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Family room, dining area, or den...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KgcXAmlYY5vFL8uJ-kSHIuqZY3y_lOaWpfnhFGjJ7JmN9EQfUZD4XNPHspzag8xSlbu5s2spPqY7r2ieJkC8AyHL800M-Q5taj4cq6SEiaDAfxQCjOkbDnGvxeVQ8bqxYmKQlyqOK1XP/s1600-h/Staging+crafts+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263063546500872258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KgcXAmlYY5vFL8uJ-kSHIuqZY3y_lOaWpfnhFGjJ7JmN9EQfUZD4XNPHspzag8xSlbu5s2spPqY7r2ieJkC8AyHL800M-Q5taj4cq6SEiaDAfxQCjOkbDnGvxeVQ8bqxYmKQlyqOK1XP/s200/Staging+crafts+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I have officially enrolled in an AHS (Accredited Home Staging) Course online and will be "official" after this weekend! One doesn't even need certification or any type of degree to be a "stager," but I want the credibility for the client's sake. I already have one client lined-up and am looking forward to staging her home. I can't wait to show before and after photos on my blog! After already accumulating some staging accessories through our "flipped" properties- I have started to pick-up good finds here and there. I recently learned of a great trick in preparing wall decor that you don't have to spend a fortune on to look nice. It was suggested (in one of my books) that you go to a local craft store and find canvas, then pick-up some fabric, then put it together and <em>voila!</em> Did you know you could also frame fabric to make art?<em> </em>So here are a few of my projects, one for a girl's room, one for a play-space or bonus area (for kids) and one for a family room or den. It was fun and very inexpensive.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-1400043320655009562008-10-26T20:37:00.000-07:002008-10-26T20:42:14.658-07:00Trick? Aren't artistic or don't want to paint? pre-pasted murals!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3HHxHTOkI0YDPzQ_wtoXetMirvLoPSxz3JWSFS_BKMCZ2cmoJwr0PNi-3nrjISQMxP0z4sJ8e_ucDrUlFacyhs79DeL6DPT_M63D9CmvUNVXNFYH42bsXg_Ziym62H9o9IXqlgcXCxKV/s1600-h/House+updates+055.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261673785480960562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3HHxHTOkI0YDPzQ_wtoXetMirvLoPSxz3JWSFS_BKMCZ2cmoJwr0PNi-3nrjISQMxP0z4sJ8e_ucDrUlFacyhs79DeL6DPT_M63D9CmvUNVXNFYH42bsXg_Ziym62H9o9IXqlgcXCxKV/s200/House+updates+055.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6xiZRxHM9vN20buoi-Rr-XantoP0dph2ywWgKfrAYb-8goARcJhCJjc6_na6rwgqcXItNjLy_xbmRjdoRSCmqg3UmzNzUndRfpvjBQxNXFlcuA_D4CDIvfO_0NQdBQ7nDKk8nzovmQaF/s1600-h/House+updates+054.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261673776874644338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6xiZRxHM9vN20buoi-Rr-XantoP0dph2ywWgKfrAYb-8goARcJhCJjc6_na6rwgqcXItNjLy_xbmRjdoRSCmqg3UmzNzUndRfpvjBQxNXFlcuA_D4CDIvfO_0NQdBQ7nDKk8nzovmQaF/s200/House+updates+054.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>We recently painted our second bathroom on the top floor and changed the theme from frogs to Monkeys for the kids. I wanted to do something creative on the walls but honestly I don't have the time or the exact "know-how" of how to paint a mural. I started searching online and eventually arrived on ebay. I found this awesome Monkey mural where the pieces all come separate...a branch, 12 leaves, and 4 monkeys. You can place it on your wall however you'd like and use as much or as little pieces as you'd like. It looks hand-painted and is not supose to do any harm to your walls. It did go on like a wall-boarder though...not sure what it will do if I ever need to get it off. None the less, it's SUPER CUTE!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-8775153257843001432008-10-20T08:54:00.000-07:002008-10-20T09:06:41.109-07:00Trick? Painting straight lines on textured walls...<div><span style="color:#663366;">I've done a lot of painting in various homes. I get a little better every time and every time it seems I learn a new trick here and there. A couple years ago I was painting some walls in my family room...the problem was 1) we had textured walls and 2) the walls curved into eachother, therefore it was hard to decide where to stop the line and difficult to make a straight line as well. </span></div><div><span style="color:#663366;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#663366;">I myself prefer to stop BEFORE the curve. I will run the painter's tape from the ceiling to the floor and do so just before the curve to gaurantee a straight line with the tape. A neighbor of mine, at that time, was an artist and told me of some stuff used on canvas to keep paint</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fdnwa1QCR3zy6NwiRqUQh5BTxg9EhtflYcrhh682vuDZGTV-BAq2ULGtAKnGH-0yNDU6L4_vw1xTx5Leup5usFpeVfklq-zAyyd8QsqCcMBQSrb6Nxv8nUhnL-KLB589MzU1s8RoXq_K/s1600-h/House+updates+005.jpg"><span style="color:#663366;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259267277229130370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 123px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" height="128" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fdnwa1QCR3zy6NwiRqUQh5BTxg9EhtflYcrhh682vuDZGTV-BAq2ULGtAKnGH-0yNDU6L4_vw1xTx5Leup5usFpeVfklq-zAyyd8QsqCcMBQSrb6Nxv8nUhnL-KLB589MzU1s8RoXq_K/s200/House+updates+005.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#663366;">s from running together. I went to my local Michaels and picked it up. It's called Gesso and I have included a photo. It doesn't take much, but all you do is dilute the Gesso with a bit of water and then put some on your brush. I would press the tape down tightly and then "paint-on" the gesso-water mixture just along the tape line where I wanted the straight line. After an hour or so I could paint my color onto the wall, remove the tape, and presto...a straight line on textured walls! </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663366;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#663366;">Here is a project I just finished in my daughters room. Here I painted horizonal lines and used the gesso to keep the paint from running and to keep those straight lines!</span> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuG_A2W0JRgASzeJV3DGbpL0fv9Z3aA0hdj9CLSS67vCuT2osceA7Y4yCWBaARsxmkO9RTn5eYundRlTakmnhNAhWRA3tWfneRL_dRIWAxyBlJun71J8v7PYu8M-MLJfbdxCrGkxbPkNA/s1600-h/House+updates+001.jpg"></a> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuG_A2W0JRgASzeJV3DGbpL0fv9Z3aA0hdj9CLSS67vCuT2osceA7Y4yCWBaARsxmkO9RTn5eYundRlTakmnhNAhWRA3tWfneRL_dRIWAxyBlJun71J8v7PYu8M-MLJfbdxCrGkxbPkNA/s1600-h/House+updates+001.jpg"></a></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziJupy6vFJIUb8lPsoUs9f2HUI4UgTM6O9cEsRXb3F7Q62KSr8aZYIIHsCycWZqsjJjUWd8CETHFIkMI8bZphUZrlkhOoBNeohb7DMoh-soBGfF6PfB3AZQaMDg7hWURoIna1vfwOjNje/s1600-h/House+updates+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259267282207284178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziJupy6vFJIUb8lPsoUs9f2HUI4UgTM6O9cEsRXb3F7Q62KSr8aZYIIHsCycWZqsjJjUWd8CETHFIkMI8bZphUZrlkhOoBNeohb7DMoh-soBGfF6PfB3AZQaMDg7hWURoIna1vfwOjNje/s200/House+updates+009.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuG_A2W0JRgASzeJV3DGbpL0fv9Z3aA0hdj9CLSS67vCuT2osceA7Y4yCWBaARsxmkO9RTn5eYundRlTakmnhNAhWRA3tWfneRL_dRIWAxyBlJun71J8v7PYu8M-MLJfbdxCrGkxbPkNA/s1600-h/House+updates+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259267282972476082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuG_A2W0JRgASzeJV3DGbpL0fv9Z3aA0hdj9CLSS67vCuT2osceA7Y4yCWBaARsxmkO9RTn5eYundRlTakmnhNAhWRA3tWfneRL_dRIWAxyBlJun71J8v7PYu8M-MLJfbdxCrGkxbPkNA/s200/House+updates+001.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuG_A2W0JRgASzeJV3DGbpL0fv9Z3aA0hdj9CLSS67vCuT2osceA7Y4yCWBaARsxmkO9RTn5eYundRlTakmnhNAhWRA3tWfneRL_dRIWAxyBlJun71J8v7PYu8M-MLJfbdxCrGkxbPkNA/s1600-h/House+updates+001.jpg"></a> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuG_A2W0JRgASzeJV3DGbpL0fv9Z3aA0hdj9CLSS67vCuT2osceA7Y4yCWBaARsxmkO9RTn5eYundRlTakmnhNAhWRA3tWfneRL_dRIWAxyBlJun71J8v7PYu8M-MLJfbdxCrGkxbPkNA/s1600-h/House+updates+001.jpg"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuG_A2W0JRgASzeJV3DGbpL0fv9Z3aA0hdj9CLSS67vCuT2osceA7Y4yCWBaARsxmkO9RTn5eYundRlTakmnhNAhWRA3tWfneRL_dRIWAxyBlJun71J8v7PYu8M-MLJfbdxCrGkxbPkNA/s1600-h/House+updates+001.jpg"></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuG_A2W0JRgASzeJV3DGbpL0fv9Z3aA0hdj9CLSS67vCuT2osceA7Y4yCWBaARsxmkO9RTn5eYundRlTakmnhNAhWRA3tWfneRL_dRIWAxyBlJun71J8v7PYu8M-MLJfbdxCrGkxbPkNA/s1600-h/House+updates+001.jpg"></a> </div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuG_A2W0JRgASzeJV3DGbpL0fv9Z3aA0hdj9CLSS67vCuT2osceA7Y4yCWBaARsxmkO9RTn5eYundRlTakmnhNAhWRA3tWfneRL_dRIWAxyBlJun71J8v7PYu8M-MLJfbdxCrGkxbPkNA/s1600-h/House+updates+001.jpg"></a> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuG_A2W0JRgASzeJV3DGbpL0fv9Z3aA0hdj9CLSS67vCuT2osceA7Y4yCWBaARsxmkO9RTn5eYundRlTakmnhNAhWRA3tWfneRL_dRIWAxyBlJun71J8v7PYu8M-MLJfbdxCrGkxbPkNA/s1600-h/House+updates+001.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-35474516736079785922008-10-15T21:06:00.000-07:002008-10-15T21:21:08.555-07:00Hiding cords...Trick? Leafy green garland.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsFLvntexx6eA-MAO5aKZ-uZuRgN6x6UHERIDkEa5sASMnmxU8D-CEOkG7henYy7RYTmtAKldQn-CazZBuW1sM2RjJ2rZF_6MWsck53489jpYVIy8tn6pZWUOEkQozRHRyC3ZfeN5wWAY/s1600-h/IMG_0982.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257600955520913938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px" height="208" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsFLvntexx6eA-MAO5aKZ-uZuRgN6x6UHERIDkEa5sASMnmxU8D-CEOkG7henYy7RYTmtAKldQn-CazZBuW1sM2RjJ2rZF_6MWsck53489jpYVIy8tn6pZWUOEkQozRHRyC3ZfeN5wWAY/s200/IMG_0982.JPG" width="200" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love to bring the outdoors in. So when I decided to put a fountain in my family room I had to figure-out a way to "hide" the big, thick-black cord that would run across the cove over to the outlet. I have done this in other rooms to hide computer cords and XBOX/Tivo/Cable cords as well. Once you run the cord from it's source to the outlet...gently glide a bit of leafy garland over top or in front of the cord. For the holidays I add a touch of orange-berry garland. I have also simply placed plants strategically in areas to cover-up all those unsightly cords.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh8HbfaQvnzX0K1T3A9DF8qAM0WhhVTgupK6m7rfUKQCuanoFmUGxhI1DlvapOdXljLR5C9o11cBX_Lz9ruW8WNs-HxIcI8_l7CAmo1acoZKyMkNFL7PegS3LTM4W3BhutBGW0kimoifD/s1600-h/IMG_0981.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257600956110886290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px" height="191" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh8HbfaQvnzX0K1T3A9DF8qAM0WhhVTgupK6m7rfUKQCuanoFmUGxhI1DlvapOdXljLR5C9o11cBX_Lz9ruW8WNs-HxIcI8_l7CAmo1acoZKyMkNFL7PegS3LTM4W3BhutBGW0kimoifD/s200/IMG_0981.JPG" width="243" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-58359451965167225472008-10-13T13:39:00.000-07:002008-10-13T14:33:52.916-07:00Trick? Cutting-in.Ever tried to paint your own walls before? Ever wonder how the heck the professionals get that straight line where the wall meets the ceiling? This is a trick called cutting-in (yet another of many tricks I learned form Mom). If you want to try it yourself there are a couple important things:<br /><br />1) The brush. Make sure it is angled and 2"- this usually does the job best. Also, you should be spending around $10-$15 for a good brush to ensure that the bristles will not come off onto your walls. Loose and falling bristles will also make the job look a lot more sloppy.<br /><br />2) Get a 6' ladder. Or if you're tall you may only need a regular paint-ladder about 3-4' tall. Either way, you want to be able to be at eye-level of where your wall meets your ceiling...this will make drawing the line much easier.<br /><br />TIP: When hiring a painter (say, from craigslist), always ask if he/she "cuts-in." This is a sure sign as to whether or not they are "professional." A great painter will almost never tape-off ceilings.<br /><br />The following link is pretty good...you can see how the painter sets the bristles just up against the wall where it meets the ceiling and then, at an angle, glides the brush in a straight line across the top.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bEfydl6upM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bEfydl6upM</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321695475262001577.post-68533134154195636552008-10-12T08:35:00.001-07:002008-10-12T12:02:29.554-07:00About this Blog... Trick # 1...PAINT!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1JfI79B5fQBuEWHjbuY3QAsQ4lqaS2FcH6wv8ucEnYJJfOHBlFWkeOqdClH1GuC0nhfJoggH8kSUu_-llBc_zyv2v5GDS2opVNx9d1jE_Z0A2M2afoELk32pK-YZdL0Ww7fEhiA7hsst/s1600-h/IMG_0650.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256301678331432866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1JfI79B5fQBuEWHjbuY3QAsQ4lqaS2FcH6wv8ucEnYJJfOHBlFWkeOqdClH1GuC0nhfJoggH8kSUu_-llBc_zyv2v5GDS2opVNx9d1jE_Z0A2M2afoELk32pK-YZdL0Ww7fEhiA7hsst/s200/IMG_0650.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Welcome to my at home tricks and decorating and staging tips blog. It all began when I was a kid and growing-up I watched my Mom decorating the house, painting, and coming-up with festive ideas for the holidays and for hosting guests. Never did I know at the time that I would "inherit" some of her talent as a homemaker and decorator. though I've always loved looking in Home Decor magazines and watching all the great reality decorating shows- it hasn't been until the last 7 years or so when I have REALLY become interested in pursuing some form of interior design for myself. Since my husband and I got married and have owned various different homes, I have had a blast choosing furniture, wall decor, paint color and ultimately designing and decorating our living spaces. From one home to the next I've gradually learned and gotten better with themes and color palates and I finally feel comfortable enough to share some of my talent with others. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My husband's business calls for staging opportunities and we recently "flipped" a couple homes. This is when the reality of becoming a home-stager got "real" to me. Therefore, I have now decided to take my talent to the next level, study some design books and educate myself a bit more about interior design and staging. I have done some work in our homes as well as in other homes and this is where I will share my work and give some tricks and tips that I use around my house and in other homes.</div><div>Decorating has truly become a passion for me and eventually I hope to grow this passion into a business where I can help others and enjoy every second of the process at the same time. Enjoy! </div><div></div><div>My FIRST TRICK...PAINT!</div><div></div><div></div><div>* In my opinion, there is nothing more boring than white walls. White walls do not express any sort of personality. When you walk in your door you want to feel "at home." In doing so you want your environment to reflect YOU and your family, of course. Whether you like things soft and nuetral, or loud and bold...OR somewhere in the middle, find a color that demonstrates <em>who</em> you are and will be comforting and inviting to you and your family when you're at home. Go to Behr.com and "try-on" some colors- OR click on my "Try-on Colors" link to the left and click on "explore color" at their website.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>TIP #1: Also keep in mind that someday you may want to re-sell your home. If that day will come sooner than later than a better option might be to keep your colors nuetral, something a "majority" of people may prefer and be comfortable with. However, you can always cover-up paint. So don't fret too much if the next buyers don't like your color choices...you can start all over (but would you want to)?</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>TIP#2: I've used many different paint brands over the years and if you want a paint that will cover in 1 coat and maybe only 2 coats for darker colors, well, quite simply, BENJAMIN MOORE ($40-50/gallon) is the place to go. You will pay more for the paint but have to do less...otherwise you will pay less and need more paint and it will take-up more time to do more coats! If you're looking for a good less-expensive paint I'd suggest Behr ($28/gallon carried at Home Depot). See my link "How to Paint" in the left sidebar to learn some techniques and preparation to get yourself started! If you don't want to tackle the job yourself, I've used Craigslist as a great resource to find qualified painters. Always check references!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2