The Cheap Diva

Spice Up Your Table with Pier One Imports

Spice up your table with delicious rich colors. Exotic spice colors offer a chic alternative to all the cool ocean themes and cartoon bright colors that dominate summer dishware and tabletop decor. One (virtual) trip to Pier 1 Imports was all it took to convince me to step away from the seashells and add some serious flavor to my summer table.

These hand-painted Sable Serving Pieces for $30 & $35 feature an deep rich, cream, and brown spiral pattern that will serve you well into the fall. 

Natural bamboo material and an intriguing leaf design make this Leaf Basket Bowl $25 worth a closer look. Pile this basket with brightly colored fruit such as oranges or apples for a dramatic centerpiece or line it with an attractive table napkin to use it as a unique serving platter.

Serve up that garden fresh salad with style with this Colorful Beaded Salad Server - Set of 2 for$24.95. The jewelry like beads on the handles make them the perfect accessory for a well dressed table. A dazzling dining accessory also comes in handy for taking attention away from less than dazzling cooking skills.

Beautiful Closets Offer Design Inspiration

contemporary closet design by los angeles closets and organization Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design

A fabulous wardrobe deserves a fabulous closet. Even if you can't afford to build a walk in closet the size of a two car garage, you can still be inspired by these wonderful closet designs from Houzz.  Lisa Adams of LA Closet Design took a pretty and practical approach to closet design by not only including a stylish fashion sketch in the background but a fold out ironing board as well.  Having a hamper, laundry products such as a stain stick or small sewing kit for loose buttons or small repairs in or near a closet is super convenient.

traditional closet design by tampa general contractor Javic Homes

A pretty bench in this lovely closet designed by Javic Homes provides the perfect perch for slipping into your favorite heels or cute flats.  Long narrow mirrors, which can be bought cheap at mass retailers, mounted on closet doors frees up wall space for artwork or other home decor.

closet design

This glamourous white closet by tinkerbell7878 (I swear I did not make that name up) is adorned with rich gold accents. White provides the perfect backdrop to showcase the rich colors and pattern of clothes. White also makes any space feel more expansive and fresh and clean looking.

Make it Work with Clever Office Accessories

Mirror, mirror on the wall who's the most stylish working Diva of the all? With this lustrous BUTCH & Harold Stickr Message, Peel and Stick Dry Erase Board, New Mirror Finish for $22.64 even the most mundane messages take on an air of glamour. Peel and stick this memorable message board anywhere you want to record your noteworthy thoughts, it's designed to stick to any surface. The pretty and practical set comes with a dry erase marker and a peel and stick marker rest.

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Lighten up and beautify your office space with this  Vinea Magazine File for $23.99. The metal file holder features a fresh floral design in a pure white finish. With this attractive desk organizer magazines, files and important documents are always close at hand and upright so even when work piles up your paperwork doesn't. In other words you can create the lovely illusion that everything is under control and you are a super organized business wiz.

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Work may be boring but your office accessories don't have to be. Liven up that dull cubicle with blinged out office accessories like these Crystal Desk Accessories for $9.95 - $29.95. The glammed up mouse is the perfect accessory for disgruntled employees updating their resume and surfing the web for job web sites.

 

 

Glam Up Your Table Decor

Flimsy paper plates and plastic forks are fine for bug infested outdoor picnics, but when dining indoors I say go for the glamour! This Mirage Tray for $99.95 looks just as fabulous serving up martinis or corraling perfume bottles and baubles on a vanity table. To get a better price sign up for the Z Gallerie newsletter to find out when it goes on sale.

The pearl like luster of this alluring Capiz Dinnerware,  Aqua $59.80 adds a touch of timeless elegance to any dining experience. This shimmering dinnerware is not rough and tumble everyday dishware, but it's perfect for parties or making any occassion look and feel more special.

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Add a dash of delicious opulence to your food prep with Marquis Salt and Pepper Shakers for $22.95. These sleek shakers are adorned with two glimmering sides of enameled jewels. This sparkling set is the perfect accessory for memorable meals.

 

Tasteful Bowls Mix Style and Practicality

What a bright idea! This colorful Joseph Joseph 8-Piece Food Preparation Nesting Set for $39.00 includes a large bowl, colander, sieve, small bowl, and 4 measuring cups (1-cup, ½-cup, 1/3-cup, and ¼-cup). The large mixing bowl has a non-slip base and the small mixing bowl features measurements inside. Bowl handles give you a grip on your food prep. The nesting design delivers maximum style while taking up a minimum of space.

 

It's clear, bowls that goes from the kitchen to the dining table make it easy to serve up your favorite dishes while they are steaming hot or perfectly chilled. This Pyrex Smart Essentials 8-Piece Mixing Bowl Set for $26.25 is durable enough to preserve leftovers in the freezer yet tasteful enough to accompany a fine meal.

 

This picnic perfect 3-Piece Mixing Bowl with Lid Set for $29.95 is made of durable melamine. The colorful set includes a 7.5"dia.x3.25"H small blue bowl, a 10.25"dia.x4.375"H medium teal bowl and a 11.75"dia.x5.125"H large green bowl. These all-purpose melamine bowls are the perfect sizes to prep, serve and store flavorful foods. Melamine bowls are topped off with polyethylene lids.

Get Hooked on Great Design

Using boring wall hooks is like wearing dull accessories with a fabulous outfit.  Why settle for dull wall hooks when there are plenty of wall hooks that are just as stylish as they are practical?

Your home is your castle so why not decorate it like one? This richly detailed Key in Lock Cast Iron Hook for $6.99 is full of character. I can see a row of these vintage style hooks in a traditional decor.

 

This simply chic Umbra Bijou Over-The-Door Triple Hook for $7.99 adds hanging space to the back of any door and style to any room. The graceful long metal hooks accommodate multiple items such as belts, scarves and accessories. The rounded hooks easily hold bulky items such as towels and coats.

 

Think of this Areaware - Wire Hanger for $49.00 as wall art with a practical bent. This simple design was inspired by the classic shape of the iconic wire hanger. The eye catching hanger provides an elegant way to organize areas that are clutter magnets, such a the front entry way.

 

Take a Shine to Silver Home Decor Accents

Shiny objects are a fabulous cure for a boring room. A little bit of shine goes a long way towards brightening up any room.  This Hayworth Accent Table on clearance for $169.98 looks like something out of a glamourous silver screen movie. The antiqued finish of the mirror panels  enhances the illusion that you picked this shiny gem up at an amazing estate sale or secret antiques shop that only style insiders know about.

  This beautiful tray is worth tweeting about. The White & Silver Tray for $29.95 is simply elegant with a pure white background adorned with genuine hand-applied silver leaf nature inspired design. When you are not serving up refreshing beverages, freshen up your decor by leaning the tray against a wall around your kitchen or bar area.

Bring a whole new dimesion to your walls with this shiny Embossed Aluminum Wall Platter on sale for $129.99.  The  intricate three dimensional design of the platter creates an attractive texture that offers an appealing alternative to flat wall art pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bright Ideas in Dishwear at Bargain Prices

Serve up some style with melamine dishes. Dishwasher safe melamine is a synthetic material that looks nicer and is more durable than cheap plastic dishes. Melamine doesn't break easily so it's perfect for casual get togethers and hyper kids. Melamine also holds color very well, all the better for showing off the cheerful bright colors of summer to full effect.

Color is in full bloom with this Zak Designs Rose Shaped Melamine Nested Bowl Set - Brights (Assorted).

 

Spice up your social life (without doing any actual cooking) with this exotic looking Home Yellow Moroccan Serving Tray with Handle for $14.99. This tray is perfect for serving up drinks, appetizers, and whatever spicey dishes you had delivered from the from the local Thai,Chinese or other exotic restaurant.

 

Look chic while munching those Cheerios with this Teal Stripe Cereal Bowl -Set of 8 for $14.49. The graduated colors of the simple yet eye catching stripe design delivers high style at a very low price. I can also see this serving as the perfect dip bowl on a buffet or picnic table.

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  If this plate was any brighter you would have to wear sunglasses to set the table. Stripe Melamine Salad Plate Set of 12 - 8" for $16.49 feature a rainbow of stripes that makes it easy to coordinate this plate with table linens and other dishes. All you need is for coordinating pieces to be the same level of brightness, or surround the plates with simple white dishes and table linens and let the plates be the center of attention.

 

 

 

Mirrors Reflect Fresh Design Ideas

A larger than life mirror brings a dose of shining glamour to any room. Houzz.com has a fabulous article called Get the Hang of Rethinking Mirrors which showcases the mirrors featured here.

mediterranean entry design by los angeles general contractor Mark R. Eggen Construction, Inc.

A mirrored wall next to an entryway is a brilliant idea. It's not only a major style statement but it serves the practical purpose of letting you check out your appearance before heading out the door with mismatched socks or a messy hairdo.

traditional living room design by san francisco media and blogs My Romantic Home

This surprisingly sophisticated approach to cottage style is a refreshing alternative to the sloppy shabby "chic" approach often associated with cottage style. Pretty plates make attractive decoration whether they are valuable vintage pieces or thrift store finds.

contemporary bathroom design by nashville interior designer Amelie de Gaulle Interiors

Apparently the only thing better than one big mirror is two big mirrors layered on top of each other. I could live with the fabulous vanity setup but the idea of putting on a show for my neighbors every time I got out of the bath tub makes me want to put curtains on that big window pronto.

Colorful Pieces at Great Prices from Pier 1

Colorblocking is a major fashion trend that looks just as great in your dining room as it does on the runway. These pieces from Pier 1 Imports will brighten up your day without breaking your budget.

The blend of modern design and pure white contrasted with a rainbow of bright colors makes this Colored Bowls with Spoons - Set of 12 for $29.95. set surprisingly fun as well functional .

 

Not a morning person? Wake up your senses with a jolt of caffeine and a burst of color with this space saving Assorted Cafe Au Lait Mugs with Stand $32.95. The stacking of the 6 colorful mugs creates a bold striped effect that will add a shot of cheerful color to any kitchen. 

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Make organizing easy with this Lacquered Tray with 4 Color Block Inserts on clearance for $14.98. Simply assign one type of stuff to each neon bright tray and you will never have to wonder where your paperclips disappeared to. This set is perfect for organizing desktops, dresser drawers or the cluttered table by the front door where everything from phones to pocket change, keys and mail tends to gather like teenagers at the shopping mall.

 

Celebrate Spring with Pottery Barn

The arrival of spring is always worth celebrating and what better way to celebrate than by shopping for fresh looks for you home?

Easter eggs go glam with this Beaded Egg Votive Holder for $18.50 – $24.50. Flameless candles help these hand crafted eggs with clear glass beads sparkle like jewels. Hang them from a chandelier, a blossoming branch or make them part of your Easter table display. This is a wonderfully elegant alternative to those cutesy pastel decorative eggs that appear like weeds this time of year.

 

Drink a toast to the end of a dreary winter with this fabulous Casa Recycled Glass Extra-Large Margarita on sale $14.99. Not big on booze? This larger than life Magarita glass also make a great table top decor. Just fill it with a few festive floating flowers, or small candies.

 

 

For party gals with limited storage space this Branch Wall-Mount Wine Rack for $149.99 offers a stylish and practical solution. The real beauty of a sculptural home decor piece like this is that everything from expensive bordeaux to bargain priced stuff would look like a million bucks when stored and displayed in this thing.

 

Cheap Shoe Organizers from Walmart

You could get rid of half of your cute shoes to save space, but what would be the fun in that? Instead of letting go of the shoes you love, organize them! Walmart has a surprisingly good selection of well designed shoe organizers. Her are a few of my faves.

As your shoe collection grows so does this Stackable Shoe Cabinet, Black for $22.97.  These stackable racks can be stacked as high and as wide as your walls so you could end up store hundreds of pairs of shoes. It easily fits into even the smallest closet or use it as a kind of display rack if you don't want to hide your fabulous shoe collection.

 Under your bed is the perfect place to store shoes you don't wear often. Instead of taking up valuable real estate in your closet, this Richards Homewares Underbed Sliding Shoe Rack - Espresso with Bronze Mesh for $39.99 fits under your bed so you can keep your shoes neatly organized and easily accessible.  The open design makes finding what you need fast and easy.

For the frugal fashionista who wants easy access to her handbags as well as her shoes, the Smart Carousel 5-Shelf Organizer for $14.97 is a very smart solution. This convenient hanging organizer has 5 shelves and 40 pockets so you can store clothes, shoes, purses, sweaters, linens and more. It swivels around 360 degrees making it easy to find that fabulous accessory quickly get on with your day.

 

 

HGTV Magazine Delivers Great Ideas and Expert Advice

I love watching great design shows, but I refuse to pay for cable TV when I can get my style fix from design magazines much cheaper. To reach us magazine mavens too cheap to pay for cable TV, HGTV has launched a print magazine called HGTV Magazine. This magazine spotlights many of the stars featured on HGTV, but the magazine not just a glorified infomercial for the popular TV channel.

HGTV Magazine is packed with D.I.Y. projects and great design ideas. This magazine has plenty of articles for weekend warriors weilding power saws and paint brushes, but it also has lots of great ideas for us domestic goddesses that would rather decorate by shopping than by tackling a do it yourself project. Some of the articles that I simply had to clip include the High/Low List featuring affluent pieces and their affordable alternatives, Shop Like a Stylist (at the Container store), Last Minute Chip and Dip Party, and Change it or Chuck It - making over an old armoir verses buying a new one. I may be too cheap to sign up for cable TV, but I will definitely be subscibing to HGTV Magazine.

Get Fashionably Organized!

spaces design by raleigh media and blogs LizMarieBlog.Com

Cheap plastic organizing bins are never in fashion! An organized home can be a beautiful thing if you skip the plastic and get in touch with your inner fashionista. Here are a few fabulous ways to conquer the clutter with style. This Magnetic Makeup Board D.I.Y project from Houzz gives takes a pretty and practical approach to the art of beauty. It's perfect for divas with limited counter space.

 

other design

Show off your collection of cute shoes with a glass enclosed bookcase. Displaying your shoes in in a bookcase creates a boutique effect in the bedroom and as an added bonus, the glass doors keeps dust off your shoes. For an affordable glass front bookcase check out going out of business sales at furniture stores, furniture consignment stores and estate sales.

This fashion inspired white and blue Brocade Magnetic Board for $39.99 is perfect for creating a home office with a touch of feminine flair. The ornate patterned steel surface is magnetic so you can post items without piercing them with a pin. You can also secure items to the light blue corkboard surface below with a pushpin.

 

<div><a href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/49787/---other-metros'><img src='http://st.houzz.com/simages/49787_0_8-3704--.jpg' alt='  '  border=0 width='400' height='570'></img></a></div><div style='color:#444;'><small><a style='text-decoration:none;color:#444;' href='http://www.houzz.com/photos/other'>other design</a></small></div>

Glam Up Your Bathroom!

I am addicted to the houzz.com design web site. With over 200,00 home decor images to look at even a picky glamour gal like me can find inspiring ideas! Here are some inspiring bathrooms packed with fabulous ideas.

contemporary bathroom design by houston interior designer Montgomery Roth Architecture & Interior Design

The circular pattern in this black and white bathroom is a bit bold for my taste, but looking past the supersized pattern I can see some great ideas at work. The use black and white in the bathroom is a design idea worth copying. Black and white furnishings timeless and foolproof. You can always add a splash of color with your towels and shower curtain. Wall sconces on the sides of the mirror provide the best light for applying makeup.

traditional bathroom design by chicago kitchen and bath Jane Kelly, Designer for Airoom LLC

The chandelier in the ceiling turns this already elegant bathroom into the kind of showstopper I would expect to find at a fancy hotel. I like the fact that the chandelier doesn't hang down too low, which means you don't have to have 20 foot ceilings in your bathroom to make room for the chandelier.

contemporary bathroom design by seattle design-build Sellentin True Design Build

If you look past the modern fixtures, you will see some old fashioned glamour at work. On the right hand side the shower curtains is hung with decorative chains giving it an elongated look which is a great trick for small bathrooms. The tall mirror also creates the illusion of height and looking at the ceiling you will see a  small chandelier type hanging whose real purpose seems to be taking attention away from the ugly spotlight it's hanging from.

 

Turn Everyday Items Into Fabulous Home Decor Pieces

The following tips and images sent to me by Marijana Gucunski were so fabulous I had to share. Here's what Marijana has to say about upcycling:

 You need a home décor revamp, but don’t want to spend a lot of money. With a bit of creativity, you can turn everyday items into fabulous décor pieces.

Here are a few unique ways to add some excitement to your home, while giving everyday household items a second life:

1. Turn an old picture frame into a vanity tray. Whether you keep the frame “as is” with old photograph and all or insert patterned gift wrap in the frame, picture frames make a terrific vanity tray.  The frame edges keep items from sliding off, while the glass top can be easily cleaned. Try painting the frame if you need a quick color boost.

 

 

 

2. Re-use a sleek wine bottle as a vase.  Once you’ve enjoyed your favorite wine, turn it into a great home décor piece for fresh flowers.  Bonus: Try adding champagne colored stones into an empty VOGA Italia Wine Moscato bottle to match the gorgeous champagne colored detailing.

 

 

3.  Turn cake pedestals into decorative displays. If you think cake pedestals look gorgeous with a tasty Red Velvet cake on top, try using them as a decorative piece for candles, flowers and more.  You’ll free up a ton of space in your kitchen cabinet, while adding an exciting touch to any rooms’ décor.

 

 

 

 

4.  Turn old clothing into throw pillows.  Turn outgrown, outworn or stained clothing into great throw pillows.  Just because the elbows are worn on that flowered top you love, or those lipstick red skinny pants no longer fit you, doesn’t mean they should hit the can.  Cut two squares of equal size from your clothing of choice, sew the edges and fill with pillow stuffing. 

 

Follow Marijana Gucunski at 5W Public Relations | www.5wpr.com, and: Facebook.com/5WPublicRelations | Twitter.com/5W_PR

You need a home décor revamp, but don’t want to spend a lot of money. With a bit of creativity, you can turn everyday items into fabulous décor pieces.

Here are a few unique ways to add some excitement to your home, while giving everyday household items a second life:

1. Turn an old picture frame into a vanity tray. Whether you keep the frame “as is” with old photograph and all or insert patterned gift wrap in the frame, picture frames make a terrific vanity tray.  The frame edges keep items from sliding off, while the glass top can be easily cleaned. Try painting the frame if you need a quick color boost.

 

2. Re-use a sleek wine bottle as a vase.  Once you’ve enjoyed your favorite wine, turn it into a great home décor piece for fresh flowers.  Bonus: Try adding champagne colored stones into an empty VOGA Italia Wine Moscato bottle to match the gorgeous champagne colored detailing.

 

3.  Turn cake pedestals into decorative displays. If you think cake pedestals look gorgeous with a tasty Red Velvet cake on top, try using them as a decorative piece for candles, flowers and more.  You’ll free up a ton of space in your kitchen cabinet, while adding an exciting touch to any rooms’ décor.

 

4.  Turn old clothing into throw pillows.  Turn outgrown, outworn or stained clothing into great throw pillows.  Just because the elbows are worn on that flowered top you love, or those lipstick red skinny pants no longer fit you, doesn’t mean they should hit the can.  Cut two squares of equal size from your clothing of choice, sew the edges and fill with pillow stuffing. 

 

5. Reuse glass bottles as soap dispensers.  Use a glass soda bottle, wine bottle or liquor bottle to dispense your hand soap, body oil or body wash.  Opt for your favorite liquor bottle for an edgy feel or try a basic clear bottle for a clean and fresh touch. 

 

6. Turn old jam jars into hanging candle holders.  You’ll be reminded of your childhood days chasing fireflies.  For an elegant, yet fun touch to your indoor or outdoor décor, wrap wire around the lip of old jam jars and create a hanging loop.  Display under porch beams, curtain rods or anywhere you need a playful touch.

 

 

For more information on turning everyday items into home décor pieces, please contact me at 212.584.4279 or mgucunski@5wpr.com.

 

Thanks!

Marijana

 

 

Marijana Gucunski

Senior Account Executive

5W Public Relations | www.5wpr.com

888 7th Avenue, 12th Floor | New York, NY 10106

Direct: 212.584.4279 | Main: 212.999.5585 | mgucunski@5wpr.com

 

Be sure to follow us: Facebook.com/5WPublicRelations | Twitter.com/5W_PR

Z Gallerie Sale Makes it Easy to Be Glamourous for Less

Nobody does glamourous home decor like Z Gallerie! Whenever I get tired of the beige offerings of Pottery Barn and the contemporary style of Crate and Barrel seems to lack sparkle, I can always pop into my local Z Gallerie for a dose of major glamour. The attitude is major, but the prices are pretty minor.

Small dinky vases are for wimps. Go big and go bold (without going broke) with this 15.5” by 15.75” Carlisle Vase on sale for $23.89.  The oversized rounded shape of deeply fluted Aubergine glass showcase the quality of this handblown glass pieces. This vase makes a dramatic decorative piece by itself or serves as a practical container for an abundant floral arrangement.

 

The right time to invest in a stylish clock is when it's on sale!  The tradition of displaying antique pocket watches is the inspiration of this stylish Notting Hill Table Clock on sale for $14.99 which offers a fresh take on decorative timepieces. The removable 5.5 inch diameter clock is partnered with an equally stylish chrome stand. Total height is 15 inches.

 

The only thing better than reading high fashion  glossy magazines is decorating with them! This brilliant Couture May 1958 wall art on sale for $44.99 art print is designed to look like the front of a high fashion magazine. It's mounted on a high gloss laminate box that captures the colorful drama of this photograph beautifully and makes subtle reference to the idea of a glossy magazine cover hanging on your wall.

 

 

Clearance Sale Offers a Houseful of Chic Finds

Gaudy holiday ornaments and gym memberships aren't the only things on sale in January. Pier 1 Imports has a ton of home decor items on sale that don't have a Santa Claus on them!

If losing weight is your new year's resolution then the smell of this Apple Crisp Filled Candle on sale for $9.98 might be detrimental to your diet! The beauty of this candle is that it is housed in a beautiful glass container embellished with an ornate pattern and the container can be used long after the candle and the tempting scent of apple crisps is long gone.

 

These Ceramic Cutout Gold Glam Vases on sale for $29.98 each are wonderful examples of modern glamour. The sleek silhouette is modern, while the and intriguing cut-out detail and shiny gold finish amps up the glamour. To carry out the modern glamour theme, fill the vase with only white flowers. That way the color of the flowers looks fresh without upstaging the vase with a bright color.

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If your living room looks like it has shifted into neutral, wake it up with some bright pillows. Floral patterns can often look too cute, too frilly or too much like something from grandma's house. This Embroidered Jacobean Floral Pillow for $23.88 avoids those common floral cliches with bold colors and an exotic design that suggest it was imported from some faraway land. 

 

Celebrate the New Year with Fun Housewares

Whether you love hosting parties or you just want to celebrate your sense of style by replacing some of your ordinary kitchen goods with objects that have a more fun attitude, anthropologie.com is a great place to shop for interesting objects. 

Your home is your castle, dress it like one! Make the simple task of uncapping a cold soda or a frosty brew a lot more elegant with this Castle Key Bottle Opener for $12.00. This ornate, antique looking bottle opener is nice enough to leave lying around in full view.

Here's a bright idea, why not add some fun color to your kitchen! This versatile set of six Latte Bowls for $30.00 comes in a rainbow of cheerful colors. This set of chic bowls is made of dishwasher and microwave safe porcelain. Measures 3.5", 5.5" diameter. Since the colors do not match each other, feel free to break up the set. If a certain color really complements your home decor you can leave it out and use it to store your keys for example.

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When working hard and acting like a responsible adult starts to get on your very last nerve, it's time to take a break, it's time to party! This roll of Tear-Off Cocktail Napkins for $28.00 is a clever alternative to flimsy paper napking. This perforated roll of napkins combines the ease of disposability of a roll of paper towels with the quality of cotton. Depending on how frugal you are, you can either toss them after the cocktail party or wash them for up to eight uses. One roll contains 50 cotton napkins that measure 4.5" square each.

After Christmas Sale at Pottery Barn

The best holiday decorations, cards and other holiday products often get snapped up and picked over by determined shoppers who hit the stores right when they open the day the day after Christmas. They get the best deals on the best stuff and all that's left in their credit card fueled wake are crappy holiday cards and ugly gift wrap.  When shopping at the mall, shop for the stuff that hasn't been picked over as much, such as classic sweaters and slippers, then if you have time and money left over check out the holiday stuff. For chic holiday merchandise that doesn't look like leftovers your best bet is to shop online. Stylish online stores such as Potterybarn.com offer the wonderful blend of great sales and great merchandise like this Gold Embroidered Boudior Pillow on sale for $34.99.     

 

I'm not a big fan of martinis, unless it's a chocolate martini of course, it's hard to go wrong with chocolate. However, I do love me a fabulous martini glass! These sophisticated Red Cut Glassware, Set of 4 for $45.99   are hand crafted with a retro inspired look that implies that you know how to party with the best of them.

 

 

Are your stored holiday ornaments such a jumbled mess that digging through the pile of tangled (nonworking) lights and shiny ornaments makes you feel like a Grinch? Do yourself a favor and pack your ornaments in a way that everything is so neatly organized you can find exactly what you need faster allowing more time to spend watching sappy holiday movies. This Ornament & Trim Boxes for $16.99 is pretty, practical and on sale for over $10.00 off the original price.

Killer Stuff and Tons of Money

If you love the ever popular Antiques Roadshow or the recent hit American Pickers as much as you love curling up with a good book, then you will want to add Killer Stuff and Tons of Money: Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America from Maureen Stanton to your library. This entertaining well researched book offers an  insider view of the world of flea markets and auctions. Shows like Antiques Roadshow  enhance the image of this world as a kind of shopping lottery: the modest $20 purchase might net you a major return when you sell it. Killer Stuff and Tons of Money follows the triumphs and trials of master dealer Curt Avery. This resourceful treasure hunter plays that lottery every day, and he wins regularly, relying on his vast knowledge of antiques, his wits, sheer persistance and the occassional stroke of luck. 

  Avery stalks the flea and antiques circuit-buying, selling, and advising other dealers in his many areas of expertise, from furniture to glass to stoneware, and more. But as he struggles for a spot in a high-end Boston show, he must step up his game. The author works alongside Avery in his business dealings and provides an unvarnished and often unflattering look at the business of buying and selling "killer stuff". We get to see the flea market as less of a treasure hunt and more like a demanding contact sport with many potentially expensive pitfalls. Dealing antiques is a tough business with a variety of challeges including a dwindling supply of buyers, the same "rare" items showing up from multiple sellers on eBay and the abundance of forgeries that make buyers reluctant to spend.

The bulk of the book focuses on Avery and his experieces, but the author does occassionally go out on her own to explore other topics. In one memorable chapter she interviews a furniture maker who takes pride in the antiques forgeries he creates and in another chapter she takes a look at comic book collecting.

Killer Stuff and Tons of Money is a loooooong book and reading about the minutiae about various objects can get tedious after a while, but the book does have a lot to offer. It's an insider's look at the flea market/antiques dealing culture, a treasure trove of practical tips for buyers of vintage things, and a  surprisingly fresh view of buying and selling piece of history as ruthless high stakes sport full of forgeries, gullible sellers and buyers and obsessive collectors.

Eat, Drink and be Merry with Z Gallerie

Looking around a big holiday party and wondering "Who are all these people?" can be awkward, especially if the big party is a family affair or an office party. Sometimes the most most fun social occassions are small intimate gatherings with a few friends or family. To make guests at these intimate parties feel like V.I.P.'s, create an elegant and inviting table.

These Gibraltar Wine Goblets - Set of 4 for $51.80 are sure to break the ice. The long-stemmed glass, in a deep rich amber features a large-capacity 22 ounce bowl for festive drinks resting on a stem that reminiscent of an opulent string of beads.

 

Dazzle your dinner guest with this ruby red Celebration Dinnerware - Red - Set of 4 for $35.80. With its gem quality color and shine, this molded glass dinnerware adds a luxe look to any tabletop. The deep shade of red is rich and timeless so unlike those smiling Santa mugs, these pieces work perfectly year round.

 

 

This simply stunning Kensington Cake Stand for $49.95 makes me want to bake cookies just so I could display them on this stand. But then I think about how much work and ingredients it takes to make cookies from scratch. No problem, this cake stand is so beautiful it would make even store bought cookies look like something Martha Stewart whipped up.

Hot New Looks in Coffee and Tea Accessories

Nothing feels better than a cup of hot coffee or tea on a cold winter's day, except central heating of course. The simple pleasure of enjoying a steaming hot cup of  my favorite brew is greatly enhanced when served in the kind of chic coffee and tea items I found at Bed Bath & Beyond.

This cleverly designed The Tea Spot 16-Ounce Ceramic Tea Mug with Infuser and Lid for $19.99 includes a matching infuser and the lid works as a saucer for the used infuser.  This mug's handy infuser steeps tea with no drip or mess. Make up to 16 ounces of your favorite tea.

Most coffee mugs are too boring or tacky (I'm not sure which one is worse) for my taste. However, this 10 ounce Villeroy and Boch New Wave Caffe Latte Macchiato Glass for $21.99 has so much style to spare it could makes dishwater look like some sort of expensive coffee house blend. The simply elegant latte macchiato glass has a modern flair that's never gets boring.

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Whether you are making tea for a guest, yourself, or looking for a gift, the space saving Classic Coffee & Tea Tower Tea Set - Brown/Teal $29.99 stacks up nicely in terms of both functionality and style. This unique stackable set not only provides fun tea service, but it makes storage chic and easy. The set comes complete with a saucer, teapot, tea cup, creamer and sugar set with lids. The Tea Tower is also microwave and dishwasher safe, and is made from fine porcelain that would satisfy any tea connoisseur. Features a 8-ounce teapot capacity, 4-ounce mug capacity.

 

 

Cozy Holiday Looks from Crate and Barrel

A few cozy accents can really warm your home during the holiday season. This Merrie 12" Pillow for $26.95 is one of the few holiday decorations you can cuddle up on the couch with. The 3D pillow is adorned with green laser-cut felt circles sewn in the shape of a holiday tree on deep red wool-blend felt background. An embroidered white bird perches on top.

This clever Sweater Small Vase for $16.95 takes the familiar rich texture and pattern of the classic cable knit sweater and transforms it into a matte white embossed porcelain vase to "wrap" fresh flowers. This vase would look stunning  filled with brilliant red flowers that subtly tie in to the classic holiday colors of red and green.

Few things are more comforting on a cold winter's day that a steaming hot mug of coffee, cocoa or tea. This Norwegian Chalet Latte Mug for $6.95 boasts a Nordic-inspired snowflake pattern. This slim-lined mug of super white porcelain is so elegant you might mistake your instant coffee for an overpriced coffee house brew.

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Style and On a Budget

Like turkey leftovers, thanksgiving themed decor can get stale quickly. This year what I am really thankful for is that Bed Bath and Beyond has some great looks that work well beyond the feeding frenzy that is Thanksgiving.

I never knew a Thanksgiving table cloth could be this glamourous! This rich bronze Shimmer Ridge Tablecloth and Napkin set from $14.99 to $39.99 shines like satin and features the kind of exquisite details like a foliage cutout design on each corner that turn any meal into a fine dining experiece.

One holiday tradition that I would be happy to leave behind is cold food! The problem with serving so many dishes and orchestrating everything from drinks to seating all at the same time is that what started out as a hot dish is a cool dish by the time everyone finally gets to eat. This Bake and Serve Ceramic Food Warmer for $9.99 keeps hot dishes hot so you can enjoy a leisurely HOT meal.

 

The bright colors and contemporary design of this Yankee Candle Autumn Leaves Crackle Pillar Holder for $19.99 offers a fresh take on the traditional fall leaf theme. To make life easier, buy one of those battery operated flameless candles. There won't be any messy wax to clean up and there isn't any scent to compete with the scent of the food.

Pier One Goes Glam

I love the holiday season because it's the one time of year that I am guaranteed to find an abundance of glamourous home decor items. Pier 1 Imports is one of my favorite places to find glam goods that don't cost a fortune. These Glitter Filled Candles for $6.00 each, make great gifts. After the candle is burned down and the vanilla scent is just a memory you are left with a lovely glass that could be used for decoration as a small vase.

 

 

These opulent looking Antiqued Gold Scroll Bowls for $14.95 and $39.95 each, introduce the classic red color strongly associated with the holiday season into your home decor so they work beautifully over the holiday season. However, the rich gold scrolls ensure this looks both luxe and timeless, and not limited to holiday decor.

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These Picture Frame Bottle Stoppers for $14.95 a piece are a perfect gift for the wine conneseur on your gift list. If you really want to impress them, have a special picture of them already placed in the bottle stopper before you wrap it up and give it to them.

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/443995/list/Get-Ideas-for-a-Cozy-Library-Spaceeeeeee

Shimmer and Shine at Home with West Elm

Shimmer and shine can transform ordinary objects into objects of desire. Take this Gilded-Grasscloth PillowCover on sale for $31.00 for example. The metallic gold finish adds a luxe element to traditional grasscloth which has natural, rustic texture. I love the whole look. The rich teal wall plays off nicely against the neutral sofa and contrasting pillow.

Nothing says "You will never be able to return this gift if you don't like it" like something that's monogramed. This Mirrored Jewelry Box for $29.99 is a great gift because while the monogram looks fabulous, you do have the option of not monograming it. This is one of those gifts I would love to buy for myself after the holiday spending fest is over.

These Sesame Letterpress® Holiday Sentiment Organic Dessert Plates for $40.00 feature elegant flowing metallic script that seems to spill off the plate. The exhuberant swirling script has a personal feel, almost as if you scibbled good wishes to your guests right before they arrived. They're perfect for serving salads, desserts or appetizers.

Killer Halloweeen Party Supplies from World Market

 

Just when I thought  it was safe to go shopping, I found some cool yet creepy Halloween items from  Word Market that are just to die for! This Witches Glitter Hats, Set of 2 for $39.98 is wickedly glamourous! The paper hats feature classic whitch hat silhouette in black with sparkly glitter. Both hats feature shiny gold buckles with a wide band in orange and green or orange and purple. Display these as a holiday centerpiece or as a spooky welcome for party guests and trick-or-treaters on your front  entryway table.

 

This Halloween Candy Purse for $3.99 is the perfect container to hold a small prize for whoever is lucky enough to win the costume contest at your Halloween party. If your crowd gets a bit competive when it comes to costumes, you might want to stock up on a few bags and give prizes for different categories such as scariest costume, most original etc..

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Party lovers might think twice about asking for a refill when they get a closer look and this Skull & Crossbones Hiball Glasses, Set of 4 for $15.96 which has the phrase "Pick Your Poison" emblazened on the glass beneath the image of a grinning skull.

 

 

Chic Halloween Ideas on the Houzz

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The scariest thing about Halloween home decor is how cheap and tacky it is! I don't care what holiday it is, I will not sacrifice glam for gore! I went looking for chic yet spooky ideas and was so impressed with the stylish Halloween themed idea books at houzz.com that I had to share a few of my favorites.

This Scaredy Cats Doormat from Crate and Barrel for $39.00 just one of the fabulous 25 Favorite Halloween Decorations from the Fall Catalogs featured in this idea book.

If 25 fabulous finds simply isn't enough, check out the 36 Stylish and Spooky Halloween Decorating Ideas which includes the usual spooky stuff as well as some fall home decor ideas tasteful enough to enjoy past Halloween.

Normally the scariest things in my kitchen are the long expired containers of food left forgotten in the fridge! Oops! This Guest Picks: Halloween Style for Your Kitchen idea book offers plenty of spooky yet practical items for the kitchen like this creepy yet sort of cute cupcake holder.

 

 

Pretty Pumpkins from Pottery Barn

  Even if the sight of grinning Jack O Lanterns makes you grimmace, you can still add pumpkin accent pieces to your decor with fabulous results. Pottery Barn has a nice selection of pumpkin themed pieces that will look great in your home long after Halloween is over.

Get the party started with this set of stylish Pumpkin Punch Bowl and Mugs for $26.00 to $49.00. The nice thing about clear glass pieces like these is that if the whole set is out of your budget you can simply buy the punch bowl or the mugs and mix them with pieces you already have.

 

This Woven Rattan Pumpkin for $29.00 is perfect for people like me who love the idea of introducing a bit of nature into the home but don't have a green thumb with house plants (I accidentally killed a cactus once).  The color is light and neutral (no bright orange) so it would work with different decors through different seasons..

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This large White Pumpkin Candles for $39.00 looks more like a hand cafted piece of sculpture than something Iwould set on fire. I am loving the white color, it looks fresh and contemporary.