Category: Decorating

Sheets and Towels

Sadie2 Comments

Now that I’ve got my living room in order, and I’m over the hump of the holidays, it’s time to shape up my bathroom and bedroom. My current sheets and towels have seen many an apartment in the last six or seven years. And while they have served me well, I think I’m ready for something fresh, and with possibly a few less bleach stains (I love a strong bathroom cleaner).

My go to places for sheets and towels are usually Pottery Barn and The Company Store but I’m keeping my eyes open for other options as well. I would typically just run down to Bed Bath & Beyond, but I have this problem, I need my linens monogrammed…

While I typically love a crazy, multi-color, patterned duvet cover, and plain sheets, I’m thinking about picking a more zen duvet cover this time around. Here are some contenders so far (first 3 from Pottery Barn, last one from West Elm):

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WestElmDuvet

With towels I’m thinking about a dark dusty blue, somewhere between navy blue and royal blue, with a white monogram of course. Pottery Barn calls it Blue Harbor (of course my color isn’t in the picture, but it’s outlined in the swatches below):

PBtowel

Potterybarntowelcolor

Stay tuned! I’ll let you know what I pick!

What do you look for when you’re shopping for linens? Patterns? Thread count? Color?

Be Mine This Valentine’s

Carrie1 Comment
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The heart garland is available at Pier 1 Imports. At $5.95, it is not worth taking the time to make it yourself.

In an effort to get my beau in the mood for Valentine’s Day, I decided I would decorate the house for when he comes to visit this week.  I know it’s a little early to celebrate, but let’s be honest…shouldn’t everyday be Valentine’s Day.  We should appreciate our other half everyday of the year.  In the past, I have not been quite as eager to give in to the Hallmark holiday but this year I must say I put it in gear.  As I got out my decorations, I was sadly disappointed with the two owl tea towels on which say “Who loves you?” (which was a sad reminder of my singledom last year and I remember wanting to burn it) and a coordinating owl serving platter.  This year I decided I needed to up my Valentine’s game.  I said to myself “Never fear for Pinterest is here!” in my superhero voice.  I’m sure you all find yourself saying that at times.  Anyway this is what I came up with.  I hope you have as much fun playing Cupid as I have!

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I made this garland that you can find on my Valentine’s Day Pin Board. I used pages of Pride and Prejudice and hot glue to make the pinwheels. Then I used scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, and glitter to decorate the pinwheels. I hot glued the finished pinwheels onto ribbon. I adhered marbles on the side you don’t see as weights to make it hang straight. The finished product really makes the mantel look festive.
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These are zipper heart ornaments that I created from inspiration I pulled from Pinterest. Check out my Valentine’s Day Pin Board for this idea and some more I found interesting.
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I got the conversation heart ornaments from Lillian Vernon.
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I used Valentine’s fabric as the tree skirt.
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I used a pink depression cake plate for an updated napkin holder. I simply framed the napkins with glass beads from Pier 1 Imports.
I used a cake stand for the centerpiece of my dining room table. The glass beads and the candles are from Pier 1 Imports.
I used a cake stand for the centerpiece of my dining room table. The glass beads and the candles are from Pier 1 Imports.
This is an old retro server that I turned into a centerpiece for my coffee table. I bought the hearts and candle at Pier 1 Imports. I thought outside the box and bought the candle at 75% off because they were in the Christmas clearance section. The candle ended up being about $2.50.
This is an old retro server that I turned into a centerpiece for my coffee table. I bought the hearts and candle at Pier 1 Imports. I thought outside the box and bought the candle at 75% off because they were in the Christmas clearance section. The candle ended up being about $2.50.

Christmas Is All about Giving

Carrie1 Comment

IMG_0152Take a look back to the early 90’s.  These were the days when it was exciting to get a toaster oven for Christmas.  We now find ourselves in the 21st century when it is exciting to get the latest version of the iPad.  Thanks to the recession and life, most of us cannot afford to give our friends such lavish gifts.  Instead of searching around TJ Maxx to buy something luxurious for your friend at a bargain basement price that you can afford, give them something that will make a lasting impression.  Nothing says you care like something homemade.  I decided this year that I would make an assortment of cookies and other treats to share with my close friends.  You can make cupcake platterss, cookie trays, gift baskets.  Don’t forget that you can even have small dinner parties for your friends to enjoy your homemade delights.  I can guarantee that they all will appreciate the time you have put into your creations.  My grandmother always told me that the greatest gift you can give is your time.  Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.  Make sure you step back and take time to enjoy it yourself!

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These are lemon cream cheese frosted vanilla cupcakes topped with a ginger molasses cookie.IMG_0214
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This is a picture of my dining room all decked out with Christmas. ‘Tis the season.