How to Win Back Your Living Room from Your Sports Fanatic Husband March 3, 2010

With several popular sporting events going on throughout the year, your husband may literally live in front of the television.  Unless you are a big sports fan as I am (luckily for my husband), your living room is the viewing section of every basketball game, NASCAR event, football game, and every other popular sporting event.  So, how do you get your beautiful living room from becoming the next sports section at your husband’s favorite game? There are several ways you can  get your living room back and your husband can watch his games comfortably without making your living space section L (living room), seat 1(his favorite seat).

Television Placement

The television has taken over homes all over the country along with the advancing technology of cell-phones, video games, and the internet.  By removing the television from you main living space, your family will receive several advantages:

• A room that can be used for meaningful and interesting conversations.
• A peaceful room that can be utilized as a reading or meditating room.
• A space that is neater and organized because it is used less for rowdy sporting events.

A Man Room

S o where do you place the television now? You may have heard of men having their own man room within their home. This room is designed for men to relax and enjoy what they love to do, engage in, or watch on television. These rooms can be designed with their favorite sports memorabilia, their favorite television, and other hobbies and interests that they may have. The question is, “Where can you setup these extra spaces in your home?” Here are great examples:

• In a designated area in the basement of your home
• In an extra secondary bedroom
• In the garage ( Garages are becoming popular spaces to expand into)

As always having a beautiful and functional home with your spouse involves compromise and work. In order for your husband to agree with the changes that are suggested above, create a space for him that is comfortable and suits his needs and personality. Removing the television from the main living space and placing it in his favorite designated man will create happiness for the both of you.

Turquiose: The Luminous and Exciting Color of 2010 February 16, 2010

We all want to feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and like we are on vacation every hour of the day. With the new color of 2010 announced recently, we can have that feeling everyday. Pantone, the company that has the global authority and is the provider of professional color standards of all design industries, announced at the endo of last year that turquiose will be the perfect color for the year. Turquiose reminds us of laying out on the beach and drinking a refreshing, tropical beverage with no worries in mind. Even if it is a fantasy, it can create a feeling that is soothing and relaxing. Why do you think it was chosen as the color of this year? With everything that is going on in the world today, we need uplifting visuals to keep us positive and motivated( Even though ultimately, we create our own mindset).

Below are beautiful pictures that represent this exciting color and portray the color as inspiring and uplifting.

Official Pantone Color

Turquoise and Chocolate…how can you go wrong!

Accessories are like jewelry that coordinates with a great outfit!

Color can spice up a classic Louis Chair!

Asian inpired Mandarin chest! Beautiful!

More chocolate and turquoise!

The Big Television: How to Hide it and Still Make Him Happy January 12, 2010

Every year there is a new type of television that comes into the marketplace that is advertised as being bigger and better. Your husband drools over ot at his favorite electronic store like a baby that is receiving his first set of teeth. It is inevitable that one year he will come home with a massive television that he wants to place over the fireplace and completely “refocus” the focal point in the family room. It is great that the television companies came up with the idea of placing televisions on the wall, which gives the illusion of a neater and more stream-lined appearance.

There are plenty of ways to place a television in your living space without it completely taking over the space. Here are three ways to ensure you both are happy with your “big” television.

Mirrored Televisions

Finally, a television that can help you put your make-up on! With so much technology being created today, televisions can be disguised as a mirror. Mirrors are common pieces that are placed above fireplaces or used as a creative piece of art. Why not use a mirror to disguise your television and how does it work? A special optical mirror kit is used between the mirror and the television. When the television is off, you will see a framed mirror, but when the television is turned on, your favorite show “magically appears!”

 

Special Artwork

There are a variety of companies that create mechanisms for your TV screen to be elegantly covered by a beautiful piece of art. Most of these companies have over 200 options from you to choose from or your favorite piece of art or photography.  The best way to use this method is to recess the television into the wall or over the fireplace. With the click of a remote, the piece of artwork slides away and displays the television and all its grandeur.

 

 

 

 

Furniture

This option requires the perfect piece of  furniture, such as an armoire or dresser. You must make sure that you measure the television before you purchase a large armoire. There are also furniture retailers, such as Ethan Allen that  have TV lifts installed into a dresser or beautiful television stand. These options are very designer friendly and will include your stylish flair!

 

Whichever option you choose for your television, whether it is admiring your favorite family portrait that serves as a cover-up or watching your favorite sports team make the winning score on a Sunday afternoon, you will create a space that reflects compromise and happiness.

Bridal Necklaces that will Make You Sparkle! January 6, 2010

Happy New Year! We are now in one of the most lovely seasons of the year; engagement season! I wanted to show some excellent pictures that I have found on bridal necklaces. The jewelry that a bride will wear is really important because it enhances her natural beauty and adds a little sparkle to her attire!

Here are some necklaces that has all the sparkle and glitz that you will every need!

 

 

 

 

 Photo credits: www.etsy.com, www.bluenile.com, www.adornbride.com, and www.nordstroms.com

My favorite bridal jewelry website is adornbride.com where you can rent bridal jewlry. Instead of paying 10,000 for a beautiful diamond necklace, you can rent it for maybe $400. It all depends on the type of gems that the necklace contains.

I hope thay you enjoy the pictures!

 

 

 

 

Closet Organization: 3 Great Ways to Get Rid of Your Clutter! December 31, 2009

 

Closets are storage for your most treasured articles of clothing, items you do not use, and sometimes items that you have forgotten about. Why clutter your closet or your home with items that you no longer use? It will be so exhilarating when you clear the items that are not being used and make room for more useful and important items in your life.

 

One of the first tasks that must be done is remove articles of clothing that are too big or too small and you haven’t worn in over a year. If you can or do not wear certain items, why keep them? You have to loosen your attachment on these items that are no use to you. Take every one of those items out of your closet and create three separate piles; charity, consignment, and trash.

 

Charity

 

There are numerous charities that accept clothing, furniture, and small appliances as donations. These organizations help numerous of underprivileged families that can not afford clothing or necessary items. Choose a charity that is close to your heart and your local area. You can call the organization to ask what items that take and which items they need the most. Some organizations help an enormous amount of kids and may need toys or children’s clothing. Ensure the items are in good shape and are still wearable. Gather the items and drop them off or connect with an organization that picks up clothing. The American Kidney Foundation has organizations that will pick up your unwanted items, which is even better! By giving to a local charity, you are helping someone in need and also receiving a great tax write-off!

 

Consignment Shops  

 

There are definitely misconceptions about consignment shops. It is sometimes believed that consignment shops only take clothing or items that are really high-end.

 

There are different types of consignment shops:

• High-end clothing such as, Gucci, Chanel, or Ralph Lauren 
• Young adult stores, such as Abercombie and Fitch, Express, or Guess
• Babies and toddlers, such as Carter’s, Gymboree, or Baby Gap
• All types of furniture such as, tables, sofas, or beds

      Here are great consignment shops with excellent websites and information:

• www.platoscloset.com 
• www.christabellescloset.com 

Trash Your Items

 

Items in your closet that are no longer use for you or anyone else should be trashed. Here are great examples of clothing or items that are considered trash:

• Holes anywhere on the garment
• Stains that cannot be removed
• Discolored or bleached in anyway
• The item is missing important pieces or is completely dismantled.

There are some items that must be completely laid to rest! Please do not give items to charities or people that you would not consider wearing or using yourself!

 

By following these steps, you can successfully clear your closet of all of the clutter and open up new opportunities that you need and want in your life.  

 

Happy Organizing!

Christmas Tour Houses: Christmas decorating that will Inspire You! December 4, 2009

 

I wanted to post information on the Christmas Tour Houses so that you may receive decorating ideas for Christmas. Holiday home tours are great ways to have a relaxing stroll through beautifully decorated homes that are decked out for the holidays and they lend inpiration for your own home! They are also great ways to raise money for a local charity or project in your community.

 

Here are dates for holiday home tours in the Atlanta area:

 

 

 

Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Christmas House

November 14th-December 6th

www.atlantachristmashouse.com

  

Historic Norcross Holiday Home Tour

December 5th 10-9pm

www.norcrosstourofhome.com

 

Atlanta Holiday House and Decorators Show House

November 21st-December 20th

www.atlantaholidayhouse.com

 

If you are not able to attend any of these Atlanta area holiday homes, check your local area to tour a home that is filled with great decor ideas and holiday spirit!

 

 

Planning Your Wedding: 3 Surefire Ways to Ensure it is a Success November 20, 2009

Do you want a wedding that is successful in every aspect from the decor to the planning of every detail? First, you must have a great wedding planning strategy! Read below to ensure your wedding is a definite success!

Decide on a Realistic Investment

Having a wedding is definitely an investment that will give a return of memories for years to come. The more detailed and elaborate your wedding is, the higher the investment. It is very important to decide (in the beginning) with your fiance and other “investors”, such as your parents on how much money will be used for your special day. It is also important to decide how to allocate that money. What is important to you and your fiance? Is it the flowers, food and beverage, attire, or the venue? For some brides a wedding cake is not necessary and to other brides, there will not be a wedding without a cake. It is best when your investment is realistic and is invested in the services and areas that are most important to you.

Hire Wedding Professionals

Planning a social event at your house can be a daunting task, so planning a wedding is huge! As you are planning your wedding, you must know that this is one of most important parties in your life and wedding professionals must be hired to execute such a tremendous event. With so many vendors to ensure a successful wedding day; the caterer, photographer, baker, wedding consultant and more, it is essential that there are experts hired to execute your special day.

Great wedding professionals want to ensure that your event is just as you envisioned and everything goes off with a hitch! It is not a great idea to hire Aunt Sue to prepare the food and your best friend to coordinate your big day. You want your family and friends to enjoy and celebrate this special moment with you. Wedding professionals have the experience and expertise to handle unexpected situations and offer great ideas and advice. In order to ensure you choose great professionals for you wedding, ask your family and friends for referrals, ask for references, and speak with each professional in order to see if they are a wonderful fit for you and your fiance.

Get Organized

Most brides have an array of materials, magazines, and wedding books that they carry around for inspiration, ideas, and organization. It is essential that you have a notebook or binder that holds all of the materials that are associated with your wedding. All of your important papers from your vendors should be kept together in one place. It is also a good idea to write down questions and concerns that you have before you meet with vendors. This will ensure that you will not forget important or curious questions and will eliminate the constant calls to your vendors. There is also plenty of wedding to-do checklists that can be found online or in popular wedding books that can keep you on a proper timeline. When you hire a wedding consultant, he or she will be an excellent source that will keep you organized and will remember every detail when it comes to planning your wedding.

Have as much fun as you can planning your special day and follow the above steps your wedding will be a definite success!

Set Your Fireplace Mantel on “Fire” for the Holidays November 18, 2009

The holidays are approaching and it is my favorite time of the year because of the gathering of family and friends, great food, and fun decorating. I love to see the variety of Christmas trees, new and unique ornaments, and of course the lights! Personally, I decorate every aspect of my home with Christmas decorations (tastefully of course!) with two Christmas trees, beautiful tablescapes, and wreaths galore. One of my favorite spaces in a home to decorate for the holidays is the fireplace. It is such a special focal point in any room and it is usually one of the first items that your guests visually see as they enter the room. In order to give great decorative ideas, I have created a list for you on how to make your fireplace sparkle and become the star of your living space.

 

A Mantel that Reflects You

The holiday design for your home will flow well when you incorporate the style of your home into your holiday decorating.  If you live in a home that is rustic, country with plaid fabrics and the fresh smell of pine outside your door, why not have that style displayed on your fireplace mantel? For homes with a modern flair, use different shapes or accessories that are not traditional to holiday decorating, such as unique, simple floral arrangements with orchids or wreaths made out of feathers. Which ever style that you may have, create a fireplace mantel that is reflective of the style of your home and your personality.

 Holiday Wreath Alternatives

 It is very common to see holiday wreaths above the fireplace mantel. Here are unique and alternative ways that can replace the traditional holiday wreath and enhance your mantel:

•  Mirrors are commonly placed above a mantel throughout the year. Why change it! Mirrors are great reflectors of light and they also will reflect your beautiful space that will be decorated for the holidays. Mirrors that are paired with great accessories, such as candles, clear ornaments, moss, or traditional holiday garland will display beautiful during the holidays.
• Don’t want to look for a wreath to fit the scale of your fireplace? You already have a picture or piece of artwork that fits perfectly above your mantel? How about wrapping your picture like a Christmas gift with fabric that compliments your Christmas theme and add a beautiful bow with quality ribbon? This is a simple solution and with so many fabric choices, your mantel will look great and in season with the rest of your home.

Holiday Mantel Accessories

There are so many accessories to add to your mantel that will enhance your holiday decor:

• Fresh or faux garland that can be accented with fresh pine cones, colorful ornaments, or holiday floral.
• Small Christmas trees lit with clear lights.
• Gifts that are wrapped with high quality wrapping paper that exudes luxury.
•  Vases filled with pine cones, decorative ornaments, or holiday decorated fruit.

These are some of the ideas that you can use for your fireplace mantel. Infuse your mantel with your personality and receive inspiration from personal surroundings or even your favorite ornament!

Fancy Colored Diamonds: A Rare and Beautiful Engagement Ring November 3, 2009

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend or are they? Diamonds have been the gem of choice for engagement rings for centuries. Over the years, the size of a diamond that is given to a bride-to-be has become bigger and bigger. Celebrities and people with a large disposable income have been  buying rings that are anywhere from 10 to 20 carats or more. Within the last several years, fancy colored diamonds have become very popular. With celebrities, such as, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Nicole Kidman and more showcasing fancy colored diamonds, they have become the new “rave”. What is a fancy colored diamond? They are very rare diamonds that are valued based on the intensity of its color.  There are so many different colors  to choose; pink, yellow(Canary), blue, red, purple, orange, and more. The most popular colors are blue, yellow, and pink. The most rare of those three are the pink because there is only one place in the world where pink diamonds are found and that is in Australia.

These rare and fancy colored diamonds can be priced anywhere from $2,200 to $20,000 a carat for yellow diamond and $10,000 to over a quarter of a million dollars a carat for a pink diamond. The prices depend on the cut, clarity, carat, but most importantly for fancy colored diamonds the intensity of the color.

So the next time you are shopping for an engagement ring with your special one, take a look at diamonds that are infused with color and you may find a diamond that may suit your fancy!

Here are beautiful pictures of fancy colored diamonds. Enjoy!

What's your favorite color?

Heidi Klum and her Yellow Canary diamond engagement ring from Seal

Halle Berry wearing a blue diamond necklace

Feeling a cheery yellow?

Halloween Inspired Weddings October 30, 2009

Halloween is upon us and everyone is looking for their costume to trick or treat with the kids or attend a big Halloween bash. It would be so fun and interesting to attend a wedding that is inspired by this scary and fun holiday. There are so many ways that brides can incorporate this holiday into their wedding.  Each person in the relationship has to agree that this will be an awesome event that all your guests will appreciate and enjoy.  It definitely has to be your personality! If you are having a Halloween inspired wedding, you do not have to have a goth wedding with blood gushing from every area of your wedding. Your wedding can still be elegant and beautiful! 

Halloween Ideas

• Halloween or scary movie/themes: ”Frankenstein”, “Beetlejuice” (my favorite theme), “Dracula”.
• Colors: Green/Purple (Frankenstein), Orange/Black (classic Halloween), Purple/Grey/Black.
• Food/Beverage: Black Martinis, “real” finger food, and Halloween candy as favors.

Here are pictures that will inspire and frighten you!

 

       

 

Photo Credits:

 Escort Chart, Table Numbers, Favor Table, Pumpkins, Wine Lables: The Knot.com

Wedding Cake:  HollyCakes

Black Organza Wedding Dresses: Vera Wang 

Other Wedding Dresses: Parisian Party Blog

Black Martini: About.com

Reception Decor: AllHallowDesigns.com