Dec
2014

A Warm, Rustic Christmas: Love the Look, Get the Look

categories: Decorating, Holiday
Rustic Christmas

Raise your hand if you’d love nothing more than to have an “old fashioned” Christmas? You envision the “men folk” gathering wood for the fire. The entire family is gathered by the fireplace sipping hot chocolate, making Christmas ornaments and listening to Christmas carols. Unfortunately, you don’t have a vacation home in the Smokey Mountains so you think your vision of having a rustic Christmas is impossible. Well, my friend, I’m here to make the seemingly impossible – POSSIBLE.  By incorporating a few simple elements, you can easily have a warm, rustic Christmas -whether you live in a high rise apartment in the city or home in the suburbs. Let me show you how!

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Nov
2014

Christmas Songs That Will Cure the Bah Humbugs

categories: Entertaining
Christmas Songs

There’s something pretty amazing about Christmas songs and their ability to instantly lift your spirits. Like the times when i’m annoyed by the holiday shopping traffic and on the verge of hurling expletives at the car in front of me. Then “Gee Whiz (It’s Christmas)” or “This Christmas” comes on the radio. And just like that I’m singing along and the traffic jam’s not so bad. That is the precise reason why I love Christmas music — it somehow manages to cure even the worse cases of the bah humbugs.  Do you know a Scrooge that may need a little help getting into the Christmas spirit? Are you that Scrooge? Add 10 of my favorite Christmas songs to your iPod.

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Nov
2014

Thanksgiving Leftovers That Look and Taste Good

categories: Entertaining
thanksgiving leftovers

If you’re anything like my mom, preparing Thanksgiving dinner is a way to show your family how much you love them. My mom makes my favorites dishes as well as my brother’s. This often results in tons of leftovers and a mountain of tin foiled styrofoam plates. Because I seize every opportunity to make any and every thing just a little prettier, Thanksgiving leftovers are no exception. I’ve discovered a way to send your guests home with Thanksgiving leftovers that look good and taste good.

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Nov
2014

Hostess Gifts That Will Get You Invited Back

categories: Entertaining
Hostess Gifts

Most people that know me would describe me as a “modern woman.” I own every Apple product, I’m a Google-holic, I do all of my holiday shopping via Amazon and most times, i’d rather text than talk on the phone. However, i’m still an old-fashioned Southern girl in many ways. I believe in proper table manners (ELBOWS OFF THE TABLE!), I still hand write thank you notes, and I think social grace and etiquette is a must. If you’re planning  to visit friends or family for the weekend or you plan to attend any holiday parties, don’t show up empty-handed. A small gift is the perfect way to thank your hostess for the invite and their hospitality. Check out these unique hostess gifts that will get you invited back.

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Nov
2014

A Traditional Living Room: Love the Look, Get the Look

categories: Decorating, Ideas & Inspiration
traditional living room

The Traditional design style often gets a bad rap. Some say it’s stuffy or “old fashioned” but  nothing could be further from the truth. Traditional style is really about balance, symmetry and comfort. By incorporating the essential elements of Traditional design, you can create a Traditional living room space that’s warm and inviting yet,  refined and elegant.

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Nov
2014

Interior Design Styles Defined: Discover Your Design Personality

categories: Decorating, Ideas & Inspiration
interior design styles

It’s not your fault. You’re not to blame for that lifeless room with  the bare, white walls and non-existent decor. You probably have a case of design-a-phobia: fear of making major decorating decisions. With so many interior design styles out there you don’t know which one to choose or which styles can be mixed. So, you’re paralyzed. But never fear – I have the cure. First, i’ll define the 6 major interior design styles and help you discover your design personality.  Then, over the next few weeks, we’ll take a closer look at each design style.  And I’ll help you “get the look” without breaking the bank. Soooo….let’s get started!

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Oct
2014

The Ultimate Halloween Party Playlist for Your Monster Mash

categories: Entertaining
halloween party playlist

Everyone knows a party ain’t a party without the music. Awesome decorations, delicious food and plenty of adult beverages are great But, If the music doesn’t make the ghosts and goblins “get down with their bad selves” your party will be a dud. This Ultimate Halloween Party Playlist  will save your reputation  as party hostess with the mostest and guarantee your Monster Mash is a Smash!

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Oct
2014

Cool Halloween Decorations Your Guests Won’t Forget

categories: Decorating, Holiday
cool halloween decorations

It’s Halloween…Your little ghost(s) and goblin(s) are done trick-or-treating. They’re off to the sitter’s house. It’s time for the adults to have a fun filled night of food, drinks, and some serious “Monster Mash-ing.” Hosting a Halloween party doesn’t mean you have to break out the plastic pumpkin baskets or drape every square inch of your home in orange and black crepe paper streamers.  These cool halloween decorations are fun, creative and stylish without being pretentious. Plus, they may even scare the heck out of your guests!

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Sep
2014

Hollywood Regency: Love the Look, Get the Look

categories: Decorating, Ideas & Inspiration

As promised,  your Design Coach is baaack…I’ve given you some time. Now, I KNOW you’re ready to inject a little personality and GLAM-our into that boring, drab, run-of -the mill living room. You’re ready to zhush up the place! So, let’s get started, shall we? Because I want your home to be a reflection of the star you are, I’ve spent many hours toiling to create the perfect  Hollywood Regency style living room just for you!

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Sep
2014

Hollywood Regency: Create a Home Fit for the Star You Are

categories: Decorating, Ideas & Inspiration

I often watch old, black and white movies from the 1930s which may be a surprise to you. I think I’m drawn to these movies because the characters, their clothes, and  especially their homes ooze sophistication and worldliness  The set designs are a unique blend of varying design styles, bold, bright colors, patterns, and GOLD (my favorite) That all equals gla-mour in my book! When I embarked on the journey of decorating my first home, I knew that I didn’t want to take the easy route and buy “matchy-matchy”  furniture and décor. I wanted my home to be a reflection of my personal style. Then I thought “Why not experience a touch of Hollywood Glam (also known as Hollywood Regency) style everyday?”

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