Easy Way to Decorate Home with Home Decor Accessories

Pleasing environment of your home relaxes your mind and gives you the energy for the next day. People spend lot of time and money on buying home decor accessories. Really with all kinds of changes, new and positive energy is given to home.

Scented Candles

Nothing more romantic than scented candles. Moreover as the festival season is approaching so you can put the bright scented candles anywhere in your home. These are great addition on dining table, center and consoles. Also there is an option of floating scented candles that gives the feeling of paradise. Scented candles are also used to welcome the new season with fervour. So you can decorate any place without spending much.

Cushions

There is nothing more colorful and bright than the bold cushions with thick and bright fabric. You can decorate the cushions as per your choice and match these with any theme you want. Also there is a great choice of fabric in these cushions. Place these with in bedroom, living room or on couch and feel the effect of the bright cushions.

Flowers

Next very easy but effective home decor accessory can be flowers and decorative flower vase. Colorful ceramic flower vase are available at very low rate but quiet good when used. Also if you can afford then you can buy the branded flower vases.

Table Lamps

Another home decor accessory is the table lamp. There is a great option of style and color of table lamps that are available. Tiffany lamps, wrought iron lamps, mica lamps and wood lamps are very popular. Then you can pick the desired lamp shades having different fabrics and accessories. These come in very decorative and sophisticated designs. To make this fabric is predominantly used but also you will get this in glass, paper, silk, metal and beads. Every different material has its own charm.

Decorative Mirrors

Mirrors are such a decorative accessories that these can be used as living room accessory as well as bathroom decorative accessory. In bathroom these are hanged above vanity and living room you can hang it where you have space on the wall. But in every case do consider the rest of decor and placement of furniture etc. Decorative wall mirrors also make your home or room look bigger.

Warm, Fuzzy and Cozy Guest Room

Having some long-distance guests over this weekend? Make them feel at home with these tips.

Article taken off http://shine.yahoo.com

10 Tips for Creating a Cozy Guest Room in Your Home

Making your guests feel at home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you’re already decorating an extra bedroom, there are ways to save money along the way. After all, it’s the attention to small details that contributes to an overall homey look. Here are some ways you can make your extra bedroom a relaxing retreat for guests:

1. If you were thinking about repainting anyway, consider choosing a light neutral color for the guest room. Generally, pale yellows and soft grays do the job well for providing a relaxing atmosphere. Dark and bright colors like red, orange, green or pink often create a more chaotic or loud feel, so avoid those colors if you prefer a serene scene.

2. As with all decorating, pick a color theme and stick with it. Bringing too many different colors into one room can make it look cluttered and stressful. Instead, pick two to three colors, and try to keep most decorative items in that same color scheme.

3. Make a welcoming tray of mints and small candies. Food always looks welcoming, and small candies or mints won’t go stale quickly, making it the perfect guest room amenity.

4. Put together a basket of toiletries in the bathroom. Small, travel-sized shampoos and conditioners are great for guests. If you’re worried about the cost of constantly restocking toiletries, you can buy small containers and just refill them yourself with the larger bottles you already have.

5. Stock up on pillows. This is great for making the bed look cozy, as well as giving your guests options depending on their sleep preferences.

6. Hang a mirror in your guest room. This could be either in the bathroom or bedroom, but it’s important they're able to get ready in the morning without having to run through the house to see how they look.

7. Layer the sheets and blankets. Since a comfortable bed is the big focus for your guest to have a great night’s sleep, multiple layers not only make the bed more cozy, but also gives your guest the option to choose their temperature.

8. Lay out towels. A neat stack of clean towels provides good decor (if the colors are consistent) and also saves your guest the trouble of rifling through linen closets.

9. Furnish the room with adequate lighting. Make sure there are nightlights plugged in so that your guest won’t be stumbling around in the dark in an unfamiliar room. This is especially handy in the bathroom if it’s connected to the bedroom.

10. Add some plants. While providing fresh flowers for guests may be costly, you can add a bit of nature into the room by placing a small potted plant on the windowsill or dresser.

Don’t have a guest room in your house? Or maybe you’ve been looking to upgrade into a new home. Now is a great time to buy a home with low mortgage rates, the home buyer tax credit and low home prices, so take advantage of this buyer’s market before it’s over.

~An Art Wall~

As many of you know I have been

s-l-o-w-l-y 

re-doing my eldest daughter's room
 {I am beginning to sound like a broken record} 
But I have run out of steam, my budget is limited (or non-existent?) and time is not on my side.

So.....

All the materials for the headboard are ready to go, but since I have a saw phobia I am waiting for the husband to help cut the plywood that is collecting dust in the garage. 


Hopefully this weekend after my daughter's 16th birthday party has passed and I can breathe a sigh of relief, I can sweet talk the husband to plug in the saw and help :)

BUT......

One project I ACTUALLY accomplished was putting together an art wall for her room. Being a typical teenager she loves to surround herself with photos. 

What a perfect way to display her photos and other artwork than to create a gallery wall that is so in vogue.

Using a collection of spray painted thrift store frames, a mirror, painted canvases by moi, Ikea frames and monograms, I created a gallery of sorts along her bed that she can add to along the way.

"How did I do it?," you ask with bated breath.

Well....

To create a galley wall that reduces the amount of nail holes, you start by laying out the frames and arranging them on the floor until you have come up with an arrangement you like. 

{This is where I forgot to take a photo}

Next trace each frame, canvas or mirror onto kraft paper. You can use newspaper or a roll of   gift wrap as an alternative.

Start taping each piece on the wall, fiddling with the paper until you are satisfied with the look. I use a level and yard stick as well to make sure I have things lined up.


 Step back to  see if the arrangement is to your liking

Start hanging up the art work, one piece at a time.

{This was a photo taken of my daughter by her friend in a photography class}

Once finished....

Stand back and enjoy! 

I also added small little plastic dots on the bottom corners inside of each frame so they would "stick" to the wall and not shift.

I am thrilled with how the wall turned out. Now onto the headboard.....

Wish me luck.

Linking to:
POP @Domestically Speaking
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous
Metamorphosis Monday@BNOTP

Free Advice

... given to my 20 year old daughter (over the past five years;)

Don't be in a big hurry to move out until:

• College classes finished and no student debt
• A paid-in-full used car
• An emergency fund of $1,000
• Know how to balance a checkbook
• Only use a credit card if you have the money in the bank already ... and it can be paid off immediately ... better yet, don't have one.
• Learn to cook using whole foods

Advice I gave my daughter before she should ever decide to get married:

• Make sure you and your future spouse are equally yoked; both spiritually and philosophically.

• While you are a DINK (double income no kids), live on one paycheck and bank the second, even if that means living in a mobile home or tiny apartment.
• Stay home with your children while they are small.  Daycare is so expensive, and granny daycare (well, let's just say ... granny will be too old and worn out by then;).  They are only small once and the window of opportunity to shape their future is very slim.  If you have followed the DINK suggestion, then this one will be much easier.  You don't have to keep up with the Jones ... just a rambunctious toddler or two.

How to Get Moisture Out of Picture Frames

In this hot and humid weather, we won't be too surprised if condensation wrecks our framed photos. If you see moisture forming, better nip it in the bud!

Article by Robert Gray taken off ehow.com

How to Get Moisture Out of Picture Frames

There are three good reasons why moisture collects inside picture frames: the picture is hanging in a damp environment such as an unventilated bathroom, a damp basement or a house close to a large body of water. Framed pictures can also develop moisture through condensation. Also, moisture will collect inside picture frames if the back of the frame hasn't been sealed up properly. If you spot condensation inside a picture frame, there is something you can do about it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:
Hammer
1-inch finishing nails
Glass cleaner
Lint-free cloth
1 roll double sided tape
Scissors
Needle nose pliers
Razor blade
Paint brush
Brown craft paper

1.Lay the frame face down on a work surface, undo the picture hanging wire from the eye screws and remove the eye screws. Tear off the backing paper on the back of the frame if there is some. With a needle nose pliers, pull out the small nails, glazing points or whatever is holding the glass, artwork and backing board in place inside the frame.

2.Put on gloves and remove the glass and artwork from the frame. Separate the glass from the artwork carefully laying it on the work surface condensation side facing up. Put the artwork in a safe location away from the work table.

3.Spray on glass cleaner, using a cloth clean the glass. Look closely making sure no dust, lint or fingerprints are left on the surface of the glass. Clean both sides. Carefully put the picture glass back inside the frame.

4.Bring the artwork back to the work table and inspect it closely. Look for surface dust and lint. Remove any foreign particles with a soft, clean paint brush.

5.Examine the backing board. This is separate from the board the artwork may be mounted on. Feel the backing board for any dampness. If dampness is detected, replace the backing board with a new, clean, dry one the same size.

6.Put the backing board in place, then take a hammer and start tapping in new finishing nails at a slight angle into the picture frame molding. Position them very close to the backing board, every 3 to 4 inches. Drive the nails at a slight angle first, then use the needle nose pliers to press the nails snugly against the backing board.

7.Take the roll of double sided tape and run it all around the back face of the picture frame molding. Remove the backing paper on the tape.

8.Take the roll of brown craft paper and lay it over one edge of the frame. When the end of the roll of paper makes contact with the double sided tape run a finger over the full length of that section of molding to solidly adhere the paper to the frame.

9.Unroll the craft paper at least 4 inches beyond the opposite end of the picture frame keeping it taut at all times. Lower the paper down until it makes contact with the rest of the double sided tape. Seal the paper firmly to the tape by running a finger over the paper.

10.Take a razor blade and cut off the excess craft paper all the way around the frame. Put the eyes crews back in place and reattach the picture hanging wire.

In The Dump Diet

If our western society would dump cheaply processed foods, supersized portions, excess sugar and white flour, and anything remotely modified ... get out and work in the garden, mowing the lawn, walking the dog ... moving ... and last but not least .. let common sense be the rule of the day instead of the governments stupid food pyramid, the population would be headed down a healthier path.

Things to chuck out of your pantry:

Any snack that comes in a box.  Replace with a piece of fruit or veggies and a good dip ... or just skip the snack.

Cake mixes and frosting in a can.  Cake should be a once in a while treat .. not something every day of the week.  Making a cake from scratch is not that difficult.  Take time to bake your own.

Anything that says 'Helper' ... such as in hamburger.  It's much healthier to just keep good food items stocked in the pantry and fridge or freezer to make your own quick meal.

Learn to cook.  It's not that difficult.  Practice on your family.  Don't give in to whiny kids pleading that there's nothing to eat.  Teach them how to make healthy snacks.  You will save lots of money and soon they will stop whining (I promise;).

Lastly, just dump shopping with coupons that are for junk food.  Since when does cheap food equate with healthy living?  You are what you eat.   Government subsidized foods are addicting for a reason.  

The Dump Diet is solely my philosophy, however ... continue eating the government recommendations at your own risk.

It's time to wake up from our comatose state and start feeding our families REAL FOOD.

Don't even get me started on school lunches ;(

What have you dumped from your pantry lately?

European Interiors With Matelasse Furnishings

Matelasse (pronounced as matt-le-say) is actually a word of French origin which refers to padded, lined or quilted fabric. Thus, as the word mean, it is used for describing a fabric which creates an illusion of being quilted but is actually not. Most often jacquard looms are used for creating matelasse fabrics along with cotton as the most common material picked for the special weaving procedure which provides the fabric its real signature look.

Characteristics
The matelasse fabrics carry a particularly characteristic trait of raised patterns, indentations and padded appearance to provide an illusion of being quilted. It is the use of specialty looms in the production of matelasse cotton which facilitates intricate designs and patterns to appeal the varied tastes and preferences of people.

Utilities
Cotton matelasse is popularly used for making home furnishing items like bedspreads, coverlets, slip covers, shams etc. In fact, matelasse coverlets and matelasse beddings are quite a proffered choice among people in general.

Fashion Quotient
Matelasse fabrics are associated with European home decor styles as they generally constitute of Jacquard weaving products. The matelasse coverlets and beddings resemble to the hand stiched quilts made in France during the 17th century.

Maintenance
These fabrics call for special maintenance as the authentic luxury matelasse fabrics are prone to shrinking and get damaged if tried washing at home using home washers and dryers. Thus, it is advised to use professional cleaner for cleaning these special fabrics.

Amazing Facts
Though matelasse cotton is exclusively used for manufacturing designer beddings, coverlets and other home furnishing products, but interestingly, globally renowned fashion designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Ellen Tracy and Michael Kors have used this fabric for making dresses and clothings as well!

History
The special looms used for the production of matelasse cotton were invented by a Frenchman named Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801. His innovative procedure is still used for making matelasse fabrics which else wise could only be produced through long hours of hand-stitching by skilled workers.

To know all about matelasse furnishings, click here.

Changing The Doorknob

Knock-knock. Who's there? Ok, no time for lame jokes. Doorknob needs replacement? Do it yourself.

Article taken off diynetwork.com

HOW TO CHANGE A DOORKNOB

Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to replace a doorknob.

Step 1: Remove the Old Doorknob
Begin by removing the screws holding the doorknob in place. The screws will be located on the interior side of the door.

If your doorknob has screws on the cover plates, remove those to loosen the old knob. If not, look for a small slot with a metal piece on the side of the handle. Then use a clip or the key from the new doorknob to push in on the metal piece as show in the image. That should make the doorknob pop loose.

Step 2: Remove the Underlying Plate
Pull off the doorknob to reveal the plate below. Look for a slot in the plate along the seam where it butts against the door. Wedge a flathead screwdriver in the slot and then give the plate a half twist to pop it off.

Step 3: Remove the Old Screws and Latch
With plate removed, you'll see the screws you should remove with a power drill (Image 1). Remove the old latch by taking out the screws with a power drill or screwdriver (Image 2).

Step 4: Install the New Latch and Doorhandle
Depending on your door, you may need to adjust the backset, the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the doorknob. Most doorknobs can accommodate different backsets.

Reverse the removal procedure to install the new doorknob. In most cases the holes for the new doorknob will match your existing holes. Be sure to orient the new striker in the correct direction to ensure that the door will close properly.

Screw the new latch in, setting the screws by hand first and then tightening them with a power drill. Set the doorknobs in place, set the screws by hand, and then tighten. Don't over-tighten the screws or you'll bind the doorknob.

Test the new handle to make sure it turns and locks properly.

Shower Curtain Designs

Fabric shower curtains are widely used in bathrooms all over the world. Shower curtains are most often made up of soft fabrics with graphical designs and prints. one can also create these shower curtains at home too. just get you favorite fabric and stitch a simple flowing curtain. you can also design these curtains with various crafts materials like buttons, paints, patches etc.
Check out few of the fabric curtain designs here:

To know more about the design ideas for fabric shower curtains, click here.

Small Batch Freezing

 We're still harvesting some green beans, broccoli, and sugar peas ... so every other day I'm blanching small batches of veggies, cooling and drying them off, and freezing single layer on trays .. then storing in freezer bags for use this coming winter.  It's amazing how fast the stockpile is growing from small batch freezing. 

~Memories~

{traditional Bohemian pottery}

As I reflect this week on my grandmother's passing I came to the realization that she has been an influence of my love of home design and decor. Despite being born during World War I, living through the Great Depression, World War II, a communist takeover of her beloved Czechoslovakia, having both her children leave and emigrate to Canada, the death of my grandfather 24 years ago and her immigrating to Canada in her late 70's, she always surrounded herself with pretty things. I remember when she visited Canada while I was growing up, she was a force to be reckoned with but despite her tough demeanor she was a gentle and giving soul. I looked forward to her bringing a pretty dish, candy or jewelry from the Czech Republic. On our birthdays we would get a beautiful box of the most ornately wrapped chocolates. She also NEVER threw anything out and collected so many things from airplane straws to traditional Czech corn husk dolls. 

{Czech Easter eggs in a Bohemian crystal trifle bowl and my china}

Over the years I have been given many of her things from jewelry, crystal and pottery to antique lace that her aunt had made. Between her and my other grandma they scraped together what they had in order to slowly create a collection of beautiful blue and white china, not only for me but for my sister and cousin as well. You can read about my china here.

{my blue and white blue onion china}

As I look around my house I realize how that small, demure woman has influenced the way I like to surround myself with pretty things. It is my tie to my heritage and to the wonderful grandmas that I so dearly loved and admired.

{my garnet jewelry}

{more Bohemian crystal and a traditional Czech corn husk doll}

When you look around your house and think about how you love to decorate your home, who do you think has influenced you?

How to Take Care of Your Slate Patio

Slate refers to he hard natural stone which is formed on the metamorphism of clay and shale under low pressure. Since it carries beautiful colors and advantageous characteristics like being non-porous and easy to maintain, slate has invariably become a preferred choice among people for decorating patios etc. Slate patios call for a considerable amount of money during installation and one has to be really careful about taking its proper care and maintenance. All one need to do is put a little efforts towards the cleaning and care of your slate patio and your slate patio would last for quite a number of years to come. Here are few tips which can help you maintain it properly:

Tip 1
To safeguard the slate tiles, it is wise to seal the patio with a penetrating sealer. Sealing the patio with a sealer would help in preventing water from penetrating into the tile. Though, this also has a drawback of making the patio become slippery when wet. Hence, one has to be careful with sealed slate patios. One can easily apply the sealer personally by following the instructions on the pack.

Tip 2
The easiest way of cleaning a slate patio is hosing down the dirt, dust grime with water. Dust particles can render scratches on the slate hence, the hosing should be done in a single direction to prevent it.



Tip 3
Mix one part of bleach to ten parts of water and use this solution to clean the algae and moss from your slate patio. Dip a soft bristled brush into the solution and swipe clean the algae while making sure not to scratch the finish. Rinse off the patio with water after the activity.

Tip 4
Try to clean the accidental spills on the slate as soon as possible or else it would leave stains on the slate making it look ugly. Warm soapy water is best to use for cleaning such stains rendering your patio sparkling clean and clear.

To know more about slate crafts like slate walkways, slate coffee tables etc, click here.

Wooden Bedroom Furniture: Bring Home the Royalty

When it comes to furniture, wood is one such material which sweeps maximum preference among people. Unlike yesteryear when wooden furniture meant simple carvings and similar a run-of-the-mill kind designs, today, one can witness a plethora of designs, makes and finishes to suit the varied tastes and preferences of people. This particular kind of furniture is favored the most due to its durability and reliability of lasting really long. Different types of wood are used for making furniture like oak, maple, teak, walnut, rosewood etc. Most often, seasoned hardwood is put to use for making furniture as it characteristically adds onto the life of the manufactured article.

A bedroom furniture mainly comprises of the following articles:

• Bed along with Side Tables
• Dressing Table
• Wardrobe
• Center Table
• Chairs
• Multipurpose Racks

Wooden Bedroom Set
An exquisitely crafted wooden bed looks extremely classy and elegant. The bedside tables made up of similar finish and contours enhance the appeal of bed all the more. Besides, these side tables quite useful too. A complementing set of wooden table and chair just completes the look of the entire bedroom. Wooden dressing table and wardrobe are other articles which has to be incorporated in a bedroom for facilitating dressing and storage of clothes. The overall look of such furniture comes out to be quite rich and sophisticated.




Cleaning of Wooden Furniture
Regular cleaning and polishing of wooden furniture is an essential part of its maintenance. Dust, dirt and grime should be wiped clean with the help of a soft cotton cloth on a daily basis. Apart from that, polishing of the furniture with wood varnish every six months would invariably enhance the life and shine of this kind of furniture.

Advantages of Wooden Bedroom Furniture
The biggest advantage of wooden bedroom furniture is that it is quite sturdy to last till a number of years to come. Buying a complete bedroom furniture set involves a considerable amount of money hence, it is wise to invest in a kind of material which can be used for a long period of time without asking for any further investment into it. Thus, people prefer to put their money in a safe bet by buying wood furniture. Apart from this, it is also preferred for its royal look and feel.

To know more about wooden bedroom furniture, click here.

Perfect Bathroom Decor Ideas

Bathroom is one of the most important parts of the home. Owing to this reason people spend lots of money on bathrooms. But a very sensuous feel can be granted quiet easily. For this keep it fresh and clean with few voguish accessories. Also create one focal point in bathroom and it must go with the interior decor and style of the place.

First of all you can work upon bathroom fittings and different accessories as market is full of varied kinds of these items.

If you want to give your bathroom an altogether a new look then check out the designs of bathroom vanities. Ample storage space along with complete makeover of the bathroom is imparted by vanities. Whether you want to give a traditional or modern look you can give it with vanity. Mostly the material used is wood having marble countertop. For modernize look sleekness in the design and use of glass countertop is dine. Depending upon your bathroom size you can go with the single of double vanity.

Then you can place the bathroom mirror in front of the vanity to suit the rest of the decor. Mirror at this place is just perfect for shaving and getting ready. You must take into account the ample light source for easy and comfortable usage.

Pay attention to the details concerning bathroom fittings. These are made by different companies under different brand names. In this comes the bathroom showers, bathtubs, cabinets, faucets, towel rails, taps, flushing systems and sink. Buy the quality product after checking your budget as some of the brands are very expensive and may be out of your budget. But there are cheap option of every fitting with good quality and fantastic appearance. Lay special emphasis on the shape, size and color of the bathroom fittings apart from brand.

Light plays crucial role in the interior of any space. You can select two kinds of lightening i.e. ambiance light and task light. The task light should be ample where as you can use the recessed or very dim light to create different ambiance. It can be given at the ceiling, walls, cabinets and mirror.

If the bathroom is having a countertop sink then it can be decorated with green plants or the item you like. Silk flowers, scented candles and colorful glass bottles can be the other alternatives.

Give your bathroom a pinch of interior decor with porcelain vase. Or you can also place an ornamental box to keep your hair accessories and all. This looks really good and a cool idea for a marvellous look.

Funky Window Valances

Metal valances? Or cheetah print? Why not!

Article taken off hgtv.com

6 Fun, Funky Window Valances

Readily available in vibrant patterns and cool themes, window valances are perfect for pumping up a room's personality. Check out these hip valances to get ideas for your own home.

Pine Nut Warning

This past week I made basil pesto.  A staple in our freezer during the winter months to mix with hot pasta dishes.  Nothing says summer sunshine on a cold blustery day better than pesto.  Now my four half pints have been dumped in the trash.  Why?  Because of pine mouth!  Last night I had a piece of toasted bread with peanut butter before bed.  For some reason I thought the bread might be tainted as it left a very bitter taste in my mouth.  Again, this morning I had a piece of cinnamon toast and complained about the bread.  I could not get the bitter-medicine taste to go away.  A computer search with the phrase, "bitter taste in mouth after eating" gave the typical medical problems such as diabetes and liver ailments as possible culprits.  Numerous links to articles attributing having eaten small pine nuts from China, Korea or Vietnam were also displayed.  Funny!  I had just made and eaten pine nut laden pesto the day before I got pine mouth.

My package of pine nuts was purchased at Trader Joes.  I do remember reading something about the countries of origin being perhaps Korea or Vietnam.  And ..  thinking back, I tried to buy pine nuts at Costco earlier this year with no such luck.  The pine nuts didn't smell rancid .. but they were a little darker in color than the larger variety I normally buy. 

If you eat pine nuts, please check out some of the links to see for yourself.  Please don't take a chance and end up with pine mouth ... it could take several weeks to go away!

Pine Mouth Puzzle
Bitter Taste ... Caused By Pine Nuts?
Risks Of Eating Pine Nuts
More Nuts
Emergency Medicine, Taste Disturbances

Simple Living?

I think SLOW living is a more accurate term than SIMPLE living.  Finding purpose in all homemaking, gardening, life skills is not easy (simple).  Adding one new skill and mastering it before tackling another one is important if you want to live SLOW and with purpose.  Living SLOW allows you to use and regain senses/skills that our forefathers used.  I can imagine that daily living was even more labor intense without running water and electricity in the home.  And having to drive a team of horses and a wagon as a mode of transportation ... would make your trips to town maybe be no more than once or twice a year.  I can understand the reason my mother-in-law wants nothing to do with canning, sewing, or SLOW living.  She was raised on a farm with ten siblings, no running water or electricity.  The amount of effort to live off the land and make clothing, put away food would be a non-stop job.  I'm sure one reason she has good health today is from her early years on that old farm.  Good food.  Lots of exercise.  Having to get along with so many people under one roof, working together.  This farm family survived the Great Depression from the resources on their farm.  Having the knowledge and skills to hand make nearly all of their necessities gave them the tools to survive.

If you're into SLOW living, please share a few skills you've had to learn.

~Coffee Table Love~

I am back!


 We finally resolved the internet issues {my husband to the rescue}. Felt like I was in withdrawal - not being able to get my daily dose of blogs.


Today you can join me at a linky party over at one of my favourite design bloggers



It's all about coffee tables.

Check out her coffee table, an amazing Craigslist find! Aren't her bookcases so chic? Also a Craigslist find.

She wants to know how we use our coffee tables.


So.... 

 Let me tell you a story.....

At our home we have two coffee tables, one in the living room and a well used ottoman in the family room. The coffee table in my living room is one I love dearly.

{This is usually how my table is styled - bare and sad}

 Can you love a piece of furniture dearly? 


Despite it's shabbiness: I can.

{Sad photo: raining outside - dark sky-north facing room - photographing  black indoors - really tricky - tips anyone?}

 It is a Danish mid-century style teak coffee table that my parent's had in their living room while I was growing up. {They have a lot of amazing teak pieces} I inherited the table when I married but after many years of abuse by my children, husband {yes dear, you must use a coaster} and a dog, it needed to be resuscitated.

I tried to refinish it....

 Sadly, it wasn't solid teak and couldn't be refinished so with Benjamin Moore to the rescue, it was painted with a solid oil-based ebony stain.


Funny story: While I was waiting for a coat to dry, my dog decided to eat my latex glove! When I went for a walk with him later I {uhmmmm} "discovered" it.

My coffee table is one of those hand-me-down pieces that I can't let go. I remember jumping off that table as a child, having Viennese coffee with my Czech grandmas, watching my daughter pull up and dance to Abba's "Dancing Queen" when she was 10 months, watching shows performed on top of the table by two toddlers dressed in swimsuits and tutus, even my dog got in on the action while breaking in his adult teeth on one shelf.......the list can go on.

Never thought a piece of furniture could hold so many memories. Now is sadly sits in our rarely used living room. My assortment of coffee table books along with a hurricane vase sit atop with the occasional flower arrangement. 


I tried to have a plate of shells to decorate it a bit
 but....


 my dog ate them.

 It's life in the living room may be limited though, not sure if it will stay here. I find that room is too dark with many dark finishes.  I might move it upstairs in the soon-to-be designed games room where it can be abused a bit more.

In the meantime, put your feet up and join me at Emily A. Clark's coffee table linky party to see how coffee tables play a role in others' lives!

Peep Into Nicholas Cage's Mansion

Let's be voyeurs and peep into Nicholas Cage's Mansion.

Article taken off interioguru.com

Peep into NICHOLAS CAGE's mansion

We all the know the passion that famous actor Nicholas Cage has for real estate.

Somewhere or the other he is always engaged in buying or selling something or the other. For example, look at this garden district mansion that he made then renovated and is now selling off for $3.45 million in New Orleans. It is a piece of art in itself, its huge approx 13,176 square feel, and has 6 bedrooms and 5 baths.

In other words we may sum up by saying that Nicholas collects and maintains real estate property, as much as people would collect base ball cards.