The Cheap Diva

Flea Market Fabulous: Designing Gorgeous Rooms with Vintage Treasures by Lara Spencer is that rare book that uses budget friendly furnishings to create a well designed space that does not looks cheap. Lara Spencer has a flair for creating spaces that seamlessly blend the owner’s personality with practical elements that make the space livable.

The good news is that the book focuses on nine distinctly different rooms, including bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms and more. The bad news is that if you have seen Lara Spencer's TV makeover show on HGTV you have already seen 95% of what is in this book. The sensational spaces featured in the book range in style from a sophisticated dining room that gets a glamourous makeover in soft grays and white, a playful kitchen done in festive colors, a den that is warm and inviting, to her very own multipurpose studio that packs a lot of function and style into a small space.

Lara Spencer guides readers through the decorating process so they can envision the possibilities for doing their own home makeover. Throughout the book Lara Spencer shares her strategies on planning, shopping smart, and applying imagination to create beautiful homes that are as stylish as they are comfortable. She identi­fies the design dilemma for each room, creates a decorat­ing plan, makes a mood board for inspiration, compiles a shopping list, scours flea markets for the right furniture and accessories, restores and repurposes the pieces she finds and brings all the elements together in an attractive and functional space.

For all the DIY projects featured in the book, it emphasized pretty pictures and inspiring ideas over practical how to advice. The book includes before, during, and after photographs of her room makeovers. While there are a variety of helpful hints on turning flea market finds into more sophisticated looking furnishings sprinkled throughout the book, it doesn't go into detail on how to transform furnishings and accessories into the kind of polished treasures featured in the book. For DIY advice you can watch Youtube videos. For inspiration on how to turn low cost furnishings into a high end design look, read this book.

Savor the Simple Pleasures of the Season

The simple pleasures of staying home provide a pleasant escape from gloomy winter weather and a hectic holiday season. Here are some quick and easy tips to enjoy nesting at home even more.

• Brighten up you space on gloomy days by displaying groups of pillar style electronic LED candles on tables and dressers. LED candles mimic the intimate and inviting glow of real candles without the messy wax drippings of real candles, and they are reusable.
• Fill you space with flavorful and fragrant scents. A mix of spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, all spice, and nutmeg and simmering in a pot of boiling water on the stove creates a comforting smell coming from the heart of the home, the kitchen.
• Nothing beats the winter blues like getting lost in an engaging book and a hot cup of tea. Find a cozy spot to curl up under a warm blanket to read a good book and enjoy a hot beverage at your leisure.
• Make the bedroom more cozy with warm flannel blankets on the bed, Drape an attractive quilt or extra blanket at the foot of the bed for extra warmth and style. A quilt that looks like it came from grandma's house or a fuzzy blanket that begs to be touched creates the look and feeling of warmth when not in use.
• Play soothing but upbeat instrumental music at a low volume. Places like Bed Bath and Beyond often have displays of instrumental music CD's that you can sample before purchasing or you can find music of all types on popular music web sites. Instrumental music playing in the background creates a relaxed mood and filters out less pleasant noises like traffic from outside.

 

Celebrate in Style with Drinkware from Pier 1 Imports

  Nothing gets the party started like a glass of sparkling champagne or mug of something hot and spicy. Pier 1 Imports has a stylish selection of holiday drinkware sure to impress your guests.

This hand-painted and etched Etched Stemware - Tartan Red glass barware takes a modern twist on traditional tartan for a festive look that will bring a touch of color and good cheer to your holiday table.  

Serve up hot cocoa or spicy cider with a tasteful Christmas Tree Stackable Mug Set. These four ceramic mugs fit neatly one on top of the other to build a decorative tower. The colorful graphics create a festive holiday presentation. Each mug is unique so everyone has their own slice of the complete picture.

Here's a bright idea, after the first toast top off your wine or other bottled beverage with this LED Christmas Light Bottle Stopper. The easy to grab rounded shape of this popular holiday icon is both attractive and functional. Turn on the LED light to keep the festive mood going long into the night. Decorative bottle stoppers help preserve spirits longer and prevent spills.

Fall Leaves Inspire Fabulous Decorative Bowls

Where I live fall weather can last approximately 3 minutes to 3 weeks before cold and dreary winter weather sets in. To hang on to the feeling of fall and the beauty of fall leaves just a little bit longer, I took a look at leaf themed home décor at Pier 1 Imports.

This richly detailed Leaf Condiment Server - Gold  three-leaf server  is molded from solid metal and finished in a burnished gold. The twisted center stem acts as a handle that allows for easy portability. 

The humble acorn is given the luxe treatment in this oversized silver metal Acorn Snack Bowl. The unique snack bowl features a hammered cap and oak leaf detail. Go nuts and serving up your favorite party mix, candy and nuts of course.

  The curving shapes and shimmering gold finish lend contemporary flair to this Golden Leaf Bowl. The elegant leaf-shaped bowl may be inspired by autumn colors and themes, but the timeless design could easily adorn your space throughout all the seasons.

Decorative Container Candles Dress Up Your Home

I hate the idea of burning ordinary candles that leave nothing but a waxy mess behind when they burn out. A more attractive option are the chic container candles from Z Gallerie that include a lovely decorative and reusable containers that can be enjoyed long after the candle has melted away.  

A voluptuous scent presented in a glamourous box adorned with an enamel and metal peacock plume that resembles an elegant brooch. The Plume Candle makes a beautiful gift that is sure to impress. The sleek black glass container houses a lightly scented candle that features notes of Chinese Flower, Lily Of The Valley, exotic Jasmine, and warm Musk. 

Precious metals add a luxe touch to any table. For maximum style impact group multiples of these shiny gold or silver Reflection Candle together. The opulent glass cups are  filled with a light scented soy and palm wax, and packaged in a tasteful gift box suitable for any occassion. Measuring  under 4 inches high, these little luxuries provide an impressive 40 hours of burn time. 

Shimmering swirls of gold bring an element of artistic flair to each simply elegant blown glass globe in these richly hued Esque Candle - Cranberry. These candles are lightly scented with a Citrus Herbaceous spiced floral with subtle leathery amber vanilla musk notes. The decorative candles come with a black satin gift box with glass button enclosure.

Find Organizing Solutions at The Container Store

The Container Store is so confident that there are enough neat freaks in Kansas to support a brick and mortar store they opened a 24,000 square-foot store on the corner of 119th St. and Roe Avenue. The various hooks, boxes, hangers and other containers are typical of the storage solutions you find at other mass retailers. What separates the Container Store from the competition is the sheer volume and variety of their organizing products. This mecca of organization features over 10,000 fabulously functional products separated into several lifestyle departments, including closet, kitchen, office space, gift packaging, travel accessories, bathroom, laundry and more. Many of these products feature a clean, contemporary style that works beautifully in most homes.

Their closet solutions go beyond a great selection of shoe boxes and hangers to helping you design your closet right down to the shelves and drawers.  The closet department at The Container Store takes on the challenge of conquering the chaos of a badly organized closet with their store’s popular product lines of elfa shelving and drawer systems, and their custom-built TCS Closets, which features thick-profile construction in attractive finishes for a high end designer look. 

The appealing promise of a more organized space is that frees up time to lead a more enjoyable life. Whether you are buying a clear box that allows you identify its contents instantly or an entire closet organizing system, the goal is the same. To waste less time and energy trying to find the right stuff and more time doing the things we enjoy doing, like going shopping for more stuff! The Container Store is the ultimate shopping destination for anyone looking for practical and stylish organizing solutions that make life easier.

 

 

 

 

Popular Myths about Getting Organized

Procrastination is the enemy of organization. Procrastination or resistance to getting and staying organized may stem from some popular myths about getting organized. Before you even attempt to eliminate the clutter, be sure you have eliminated so of the false thinking based on popular myths about organizing. Here are a few popular myths you may want to discard along with the contents of your junk drawer.

• To get organized once and for all I just need to find the one perfect and best organizing strategy/storage materials/system. When it comes to organizing solutions, one size does not fit all. Your organizing system should take your unique preferences, habits and lifestyle into consideration. Ultimately it's easier to stick with an organizing system designed around you than to try to conform to some elses system.
• Getting organized is a major undertaking that requires a major overhaul in how I handle my stuff. You don't have to get rid of everything at once to get organized. For example, you could set a donation bag by the front door and put one item a day or a few items a week in the bag. Eventually the bag will be full and ready for a trip to the thrift store. Repeat the process often enough and soon your space will be free of unwanted items.
• Once I have properly organized a space I can relax and forget about it. Unfortunately getting rid of old stuff does not prevent new stuff from coming into your home. Whether it's controlling clutter, or keeping your closet in perfect order, organizing is an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance. The good news is that once you have done the hard work of organizing a space, all you have to do is maintain the systems you have put into place.
• Every space in my home from my closets to my junk drawer needs to be perfectly organized. The purpose if getting organized is not to create the "perfect" home but to eliminate pain. If not finding your keys before you run out the door causes you to feel stressed and potentially run late for important engagements, then solving that issue by always putting your keys in the same easily accessible place solves that pain. On the other hand, if rummaging around your junk drawer to find batteries doesn't happen often and doesn't bother you, don't bother organizing your junk drawer if you don't want to.
• I need to set aside a huge chunk of time to dedicate to larger organizing projects. Over time even small changes can add up impressive results. Imagine taking just a few minutes a day to get rid unwanted items or put things in their proper place. After a month of working on an organizing project for just a few minutes a day you will have spent hours on getting organized.

 

 

Get Affordable Home Decor at Hobby Lobby

If decorating is one of your favorite hobbies, then Hobby Lobby is worth a visit. In spite of the name, you don't have to be a glue gun wielding die hard crafter to shop at Hobby Lobby. The store is filled with a wide assortment of home décor accents. The stylish assortment of home décor pieces are clearly aimed at people with great taste who don't want to spend a great deal of money.

The range of home décor items at the warehouse sized Hobby Lobby is mind boggling. Their selection includes pictures, frames, lamps, baskets, decorative accents, candlesticks and too many assorted knick knacks to name here. The styles range from traditional to contemporary with a little rustic thrown in for good measure.

Hobby Lobby is also an excellent place to shop for holiday decorating projects. Hate the idea of a real live pumpkin rotting away after Halloween has passed? Buy a fake decorative pumpkin and avoid the mess. Do overpriced Christmas decorations make you feel like a Scrooge? Peruse their large selection of affordable holiday decorations to find the perfect pieces for your home. And if you are feeling really creative, you can always check out their huge selection of craft supplies too.

Serve Up Spooky Treats on Halloween Theme Dishes

The scariest thing about Halloween is how tacky some of the dishes and home décor gets. Don't let the plastic skeletons and grinning pumpkins fool you, good taste is not dead! To prove my point I dug up some stylish Halloween theme dishes available at prices that won't scare you. This creepy black ceramic Cauldron Individual Bowl bubbles over with Halloween spirit. The sturdy stoneware bowl serves up soup, sweets and other tempting treats.  

With its Halloween themed colors, this Boston International 2-Piece Hallowchic Chip and Dip Set in Orange/Black is perfect for serving up gourmet chips and dip to your favorite ghouls and guys at your spooky soirees. The chic chip bowl has an orange and black botanical pattern and the dip bowl features an eerie black crow silhouetted against a bright orange background. 

The beauty of this Sagaform Divided Cat-Shaped Bowl is that it's a purrrrrfectly fine to leave it curled up on your table or dresser long after all the Halloween candy is gone.  This feline shaped bowl features a glossy black glaze and convenient two-section design. This contemporary kitty is a stylish addition to your space whether you use it to serve candy or hold jewelry.    

Be a Savvy Collector, Not a Sloppy Hoarder

You don't have to live in some miserable minimalistic space and empty your home of all the collectible things you love just to be organized. You can enjoy your collections of favorite objects and still be organized, just don't act like a hoarder who clings to useless junk like a life raft. There are two kinds of collectors, hoarders and connoisseurs. Someone who compulsively collects objects and  is constantly looking for new places to stuff their ever expanding collection because they have far more stuff than space is probably a hoarder. Connoisseurs know how to edit, curate and fine tune their collection while hoarders simple expand their collection by acquiring more stuff. Hoarders are increasing the volume of their collection, but not the overall quality. For a collector to enjoy a stylish and well organized home you need to act like a connoisseur, not a hoarder.

A true connoisseur knows that often the best way to improve a collection is to get rid of a lot of mediocre items and replace them with fewer, better quality items. This kind of trading up keeps the size of your collection under control while improving the quality of the collection. I applied this strategy to my book collection and it's working out beautifully. Over the years I have accumulated a variety of paperbacks and  ordinary "bargain" books the size of a thick magazine that focus on the topic of fashion, home decor and design in general. The collection of perfectly ordinary books did not match my idea of what a truly fabulous design library would look like. My fantasy library is filled with big and beautiful glossy design books with gorgeous photography. The kind of high style books are so decorative are designed to be set out on a coffee table more for display than reference. Some of these "coffee table" books are almost big enough to serve as a coffee table if you stuck some legs on them. To create my ideal design library I occasionally get rid of what I feel are the more mediocre books to make space for the kind of books that I think of when I imagine a high class design library.  What makes it easier for me to let go of various books is having a vision for what kind of collection I ultimately want to live with. Collecting with a specific intention or vision in mind makes you less susceptible to buying mediocre items just because they are a "bargain" or they fit into a general category of items you collect.

Quality, like beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder. Many cheap mass produced items (baseball cards) sell for big money simply because of the demand. By comparison many items that reflect a high level craftsmanship and better materials have a more modest dollar value on the open market. Ultimately the quality of a collection is not about it's dollar value. It's about much more subjective criteria than that. The goal of any savvy collector is not to have the biggest collection of objects, but to create the best collection. As a collector you get to create your own highly personalized definition of what elements make up your ultimate collection. Your definition of "best" objects may be based on the uniqueness of design, quality of workmanship, rarity or objects that are simply well designed practical items that are- the perfect marriage of form and function or how much certain objects give you pleasure and makes you smile.

I started collecting vintage cameras because many there was a wide selection of them that were affordable and their stylish designs appealed to me.  Some of my cheaper vintage cameras cost little more than what you would pay for a disposable camera today, but I don't care about that. My criteria for buying a vintage camera is that I have to love it. I am always attracted to an interesting design. I have sold off some of my less interesting pieces for less than I paid for them, but that's how curating and editing a collection often works. You don't end up with more money when you get rid of stuff, you just end up with more free space to make room for unique pieces that come your way. Collectibles do not always increase in value over time. Buy what you love and occasionally edit out the pieces that aren't working so you have a curated collection, not a cluttered mess. Ultimately the key to a great collection is the ability to look at it like a museum curator and weed out the weak items so the stronger pieces receive the attention they deserve. It's this strategic approach that separates the connoisseurs from the hoarders. 

Gold Home Decor Accents Bring Glamour to the Table

Whenever I need a serious dose of glamour I just pop into my local Z Gallerie store and am instantly inspired. Z Gallerie is packed with enough shiny and sparkly objects to  delight any glamour addict. Since few things say glamour like gold, I was instantly drawn to their gilded table ware offerings.  

Burying this Medusa Placemat - Set of 4 under opaque dishes is a crime against style. Instead of hiding this metallic placemat set under dishes, you could show them off by lining them up next to each other down the center of the table like a table runner or placing them under a narrow centerpiece like a vase to create a chic focal point for your table.  

Think of this stunning Victoria Stemware - Sets of 4 as elegant jewelry for the table. The classic style  is detailed in gold trim that defines the dramatic oversized silhouette. and embellished with beautiful gold and sparkling crystal accents for the ultimate in glamorous style. The glitzy glasses are sold separately in sets of four so you can stock up on the styles that best suite your favorite beverages. Champagne anyone?

 

Put your gourmet goodies on a pedestal with these stylish gold Pedestal Cake Stands. Simply yet elegantly  designed of clear glass with a slim pedestal, the removable cylindrical lid has a generous wide gold band at its base and a shiny gold sphere handle adorning the top. For a more dramatic decorative effect, buy two different sizes and pair them together like the picture here.

End Morning Hassles with Easy Organizing Tips

The ultimate goal of getting organized is to make life simpler and easier. Sometime small changes can make a big difference on whether your start you day off on the right track or running out the door like a crazy person frantically taking care of last minute tasks as you run out the door.

Make your morning routine easier by putting together the outfit you are going to wear the next day the night before. Hang the pieces you are going to wear tomorrow next to each other in the closet. For example, hang a shirt next to the pants that go with it. For a dress, try draping the scarf you are planning on wearing with the dress out so you don't have to hunt it down at the last minute. Look over the clothes for any potential problems that need to be fixed before wearing, like stains or loose buttons, that might make you want to choose another garment to wear. When you hit the snooze button on the alarm one too many time and you are rushing, this is  not the time to find out the "clean" shirt you were planning on wearing actually has a visible stain front and center that did not come out in the laundry.

If you pack lunches for yourself or other members of your household think about what you can do to prepare the lunch the next days.  It helps to keep current on doing dishes so the plastic container you planned to put your sandwich is ready to go and doesn't need to be hand washed at the last minute. If you are preparing lunches for others in your household, are there any food items, such as nuts, that could go into a lunch sack the night before? D0 as much food prep you reasonably do the night before and save at least a few precious minutes off of your morning routine. 

Are there any urgent errands, such as putting gas in your almost empty tank or paying a bill that are better off done the night before instead of as you are rushing to work or your first appointment of the day? Getting urgent things done the night before relieves you of the stress and worry of not having time to get these things done in the morning.

The expression those who fail to plan, plan to fail doesn't just apply to big grandiose plans. The strategy of planning ahead applies to the little everyday tasks that may not seem important at the time, but developing good habits for the everyday stuff can take a lot of the stress out of a harried and unhealthy morning routine. So give yourself a break by developing your own personalized plan for getting organized and starting the off right. Buy ingredients for easy to make healthy breakfasts, like Greek yogurt, fruit and granola. After your healthy breakfast and newly streamlined morning routine, leave home a few minutes early for your destination to beat traffic and enjoy the feeling of being on top of things, not frazzled.

Eerie and Elegant Halloween Tableware

Orange plastic pumpkins are about as appealing as stale candy. This Halloween replace all home accents that are as stylish as they are spooky. Drink a toast to gothic glamour with your fellow creatures of the night with this bejeweled  Candelabra Jewels Painted Wine Glass . The hand painted silhouetted of a spider webbed chandelier lends a sophisticated touch to any spooky soiree.

Even the creepy eight legged critters crawling all over the Spider Web Metal Candy Basket can't keep little cookie monsters from snatching up the sweet treat you place in the basket. If you are scared that having tempting treats sitting around all day will do truly horrifying things to your waistline, you can always use basket to display colorful Halloween decorations like pictured here. 

These gorgeous Glass Pumpkins - Gray Smoke lend an elegant yet eerie touch to your table. Light passing through the shimmering, semitransparent pumpkins creates a bewitching ghostlike effect. The hand blown glass pumpkins look far more sophisticated than the orange plastic version! Pair the pumpkins with black and silver table accents for a mysterious and glamourous look.

Get Mugged in Style with Chic Cups

The simple pleasure of curling up in a comfy spot with a cup filled with a tasty beverage is one of those wonderful indulgences that is affordable enough to enjoy every day. If you are looking for a sturdy and stylish mug worthy of your favorite drinks there are plenty of options out there.

Spice up tea time with a pair of porcelain Barcelona Tile Porcelain Infuser Mugs, Set of 2 from World Market. Decorated with festive artwork in warm and cool colors, these easy-care infuser mugs include porcelain filters and removable lids for steeping, serving and sipping tea.

Graceful scalloped edges lend these classic pieces a refined feel to even the most relaxed beverage break. The creamy white Lotus Cup & Saucer from Anthropologie mixes well with dishes of all colors making them the an essential ingredient to for entertaining or every day enjoyment.    

Whether warming up to a hot cup of cocoa or chilling out with an iced tea, these hearty earthenware Latte Mugs from Anthropologie  are desined to keep beverages at the perfect temp longer. So sit back and savor the moment longer.

Sensational Seasonal Scents from Pier 1 Imports

I am so ready for fall to arrive I can almost smell it! Luckily, Pier 1 Imports has an stylish selection of decorative container filled candles infused with tasteful scents. Indulge in the sights, sound and scents of the Spiced Cake Sizzlewick Filled Candle. Light the wooden wick of this spicy scented candle and it comes to life, sizzling and crackling as it infuses the air with appetizing pumpkin, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, clove and nutmeg scents.

The Chai Pumpkin Vintage-Style Dish Filled Candle perfumes the air with an inviting warm pumpkin blend with exotic chai, orange creme and cinnamon, sweetened by maple sugar and vanilla musk. After being lit, a typical pillar candle leaves nothing behind but a waxy mess. After this appealing candle is completely burned down you are left with an elegant vintage inspired dish perfect for serving candy or other tempting treats.

The intoxicating scents of Plum Bordeaux Filled Candle are housed in a regal glass container resembling the better part of a wine bottle. The richly scented candle features a sophisticated blend of ripened plum balanced by tart cherry. The sweet and tart fruity notes blend with violet and blackberry accentuated with subtle notes of warm vanilla oak, merlot and cashmere.

Declutter and Dump the Dead Weight

Are the ghosts of dead items haunting the dark recesses of your closets, drawers and basement? Dead items are things that have no sentimental value, no practical value, and no financial value and yet they take up valuable space in your home. Because of this, decluttering by removing dead items from your home is one of the easiest and least scary ways to free up space.

Sometimes bad storage decisions are hidden in plain sight. I had boxes in my closet that were full of items that had been hidden away in unmarked boxes for so long I forgot what exactly was in those boxes. Eventually curiosity and the desire to declutter got the better of me and I went through the boxes to rediscover the "treasures" that had been important enough to take up precious closet space. I was shocked to discover that one good size space hogging box was filled with nothing but empty boxes! I probably kept the empty boxes in case I ever needed to ship a gift to someone, but the reality was that I never needed or used those boxes so I got rid of them. I a product you buy is still under warranty, by all means keep the box, if on the other hand, you have more empty boxes tucked away in your closet than a moving company, it's time to recycle some of those empty boxes and free up closet space for items you want easy access to.

Here's some food for thought, maybe you don't need more kitchen storage. Maybe what you really need is to remove items from your kitchen that are way past their expiration date. Dig through your kitchen drawers and cupboards and you may be surprised to discover everything from expired vitamins, spices that lost their flavor/potency long ago, worn out dishes that belong in the recycling bin, and broken appliances. The junk drawer is a veritable graveyard of useless items such as dead batteries and unidentifiable parts that should go to something if only you could figure out just what that something was. Recycling or disposing of dead items and keeping what works for your life is a key ingredient to making the most of your kitchen space.

A home office buried alive under irrelevant paperwork and miscellaneous clutter is not only unproductive it's an  unpleasant environment to work in. A desk can easily turn into a dumping ground for irrelevant items if you aren't careful. Business cards picked up at long forgotten networking events that you didn't follow up on, papers with outdated or irrelevant information, a pileup of nonworking pens packed into a pencil jar, all of these things take up precious real estate on your limited desk space. Even if you just spend a few minutes a day going through through stuff and "filing"  papers and business cards ones that simply aren't relevant into the recycling bin this will dramatically cut down on paper piles. If your pen collection is out of control, simply remove pens from that jammed pen/pencil jar one at a time and try to write something with each pen on a piece of scratch paper. If the pen doesn't write, it's time to dump it. This is super time saver because you won't have to dig through a bunch on nonworking pens the next time you need to make urgent notes.

Is your living room or den starting to look a little too lived in? The living room or den can quickly turn into a dumping ground for outdated magazines and catalogs you never got around to reading, homeless items like toys and games your kids never play with because they are broken or missing pieces, remote controls to TVs that you replaced long ago with a newer TV. An easy way to uncover the lovely living space buried under all that clutter is to coordinate your clean up efforts with your TV viewing habits. When it's time for a commercial break get up, pick up one item that needs to go into a trash can or recycling bin, toss the item and enjoy the rest of the show. Do this often enough and pretty soon your living room will be ready for its close up.

Has your garage become a veritable graveyard where once useful items go to die? Toxic pesticides, old paint, rusted nails, CFL light bulbs and many other common household items are too dangerous to simply toss in the trash. To safely dispose of questionable contact your local recycling center to find out how to dispose of these items safely. As long as you are discarding items that serve no purpose in your life, go ahead and look around your garage for sporting equipment, lawn care items and anything else that is covered in a tell tale layer of dust that tells you it's time to get rid of these items to free up your garage space for. Donate functional items to someone who will use them for something besides garage decorations.

I don't care what the fashion experts say. Every wardrobe should have a certain amount of crappy clothes. Those faded T-shirts, baggy sweats and clothes with holes are perfect for dirty jobs like housework, but unless you do dirty jobs for a living, most of your wardrobe should be too nice to wear for cleaning the toilet. Go ahead and dump the frumpy, badly fitting, faded clothes and upgrade your wardrobe piece by piece by shopping regularly for replacement pieces. It's a good idea to have some empty hangers hanging in your closet.  A few empty hangers or some free dresser drawer space sends the message that you are making space for something better than your unflattering cast offs because you have enough self respect to recognize that you deserve better to wear clothes that make you look like a homeless person.

Like a cluttered closet, a bathroom filled with expired and unused beauty products also sends the message that you don't care about your appearance. Proper grooming is sign that you are willing to make an effort to look good because you feel good about yourself. Proper purging and organizing is a sure sign that you value your time too much to go rummaging around for fresh beauty products that work properly. 

No matter what part of your home you choose to organize, removing dead items frees up space for appealing and useful items that enhance the quality of our lives in big and small ways. Sometimes removing dead items frees up space for something better to take its place. Sometimes the best result of dumping the dead weight is the empty space that remains that allows your home to breathe and allows you to focus on the things that bring beauty and joy to your life.

 

Closet Organizers Make It Easy to Dress Well

I suspect the secret stylish women share is that they are organized enough to lay their hands on the perfect accessory instantly. For fashionably frugal women, shopping at Bed, Bath and Beyond is a great place to find clothing organizers. This beautiful Fleur De Lis Scarf Organizer in Pewter has a real flair for function. The metal wire is shaped into an elegant stylized lily design that hold scarves and accessories in a neatly organized fashion.  

Slip this Closet Mate Hanger Pockets over a sturdy hanger to keep coordinating accessories, such as jewelry or scarves, right next to the outfit. This slim pocket is a terrific time save tool for planning perfectly accessorized outfits while traveling or at home. Having you accessories and outfit sharing the same hanger is sure to be a great time saver when it comes time to get dressed.

Lumpy shoulders are not an attractive look but ironing out every unsightly bulge and dent is not a very attractive propositoution. Plump Luxury Living Bumps Be-Gone Attachable Hangers in Blue offers a solution to the lumpy shoulder problem by allowing you to hang shirts and sweaters without the awful shoulder bumps that often appear when using wire or plastic hangers. 

Sleep in Style with Dreamy Blue Bedding

I love my bed! No other piece of furniture is as inviting as big, soft bed, especially when that bed in covered in soothing shades of blue. If you have been dreaming of updating your bed with fresh colors and patterns, take a look at these beautiful blue bedding sets from Target.

Cool as a summer breeze floating off the water, this  aqua blue Haley 4 Piece Comforter Set brings a splash of refreshing color to your bedroom. The comforter features a ruched fabric that creates a softly ruffled texture . This dreamy bed set  includes a comforter, 2 shams, and 1 decorative pillow with a charming leaf and bird motif.   

Rest assured, this designer inspired Nate Berkus Textured Comforter Set only looks expensive. The deep teal color enhances the richness of the look, but it's the fine pleating details and overall tailored style that creates a truly posh vibe for this well priced set. For a fabulous 5 star hotel effect, pair the set with classic white sheets like in this photo. 

 

Are things getting a little boring in the bedroom? Let thisXhilaration Turquoise & White Star Reversible Bed in a Bag - play a starring role in your bedroom makeover. The eye catching comforter set can transform your room from drab to dazzling in the time it takes to make your bed.

Decorate Your Castle with One King's Lane Home Decor

One King's Lane is such a fun and engaging home décor web site, it turns shopping into pure entertainment. Shopping online is supposed to be fun, but after a while I find viewing the endless stream of boring products on predictable home décor web sites more tedious than entertaining. I was delighted to discover that One King's Lane has so much more to offer than just a huge volume of home décor items for sale, it also offers plenty of stylish inspiration and unique vintage pieces that you won't find anywhere else.

The Vintage section includes everything from pricey antique furniture to more affordable books, dishes and knick knacks. You can narrow your selection by price to save time and spare yourself the heartbreak of falling in love with something way out of your price range. What I like about the Vintage section of the One King's Lane web site is that it's like shopping at a virtual antique mall, with an unexpected and eclectic collection of items that mixes styles and periods freely.

The One King's Lane Style Blog offers inspiring pictures, practical ideas and of course plenty of products to help create the look and feel of the inspiring picture like this one from the blog post Gorgeous Arrangements, Without All the Arranging . Unlike other home décor retail web sites which are heavy on product and light on inspiration, One King's Lane strikes a nice balance between showing spaces that tell a story of the good life while making it easy to find the appropriate home décor items to reflect the style of the featured space. Many of the spaces pictures are of high end homes, but there are still enough great ideas and great products to make One King's Lane worth a visit.

Glam Up Your Desk with Attractive Office Accessories

Working in bland cubicle farms over the years in forgettable corporate spaces makes me appreciate office accessories that don't look like they came from an office supply closet. For unique office accessories that won't hurt your bottom line, check out these chic home office accents from World Market.

This exotic etched iron Hand Place Card Holder gives you a helping hand when it's time to find important notes or pictures. The Hand Place Card Holder, also serves as a name card holder for dinner guest's or for labeling dishes at a buffet.

Yellow Post It notes look positively passé next to this fresh floral note set. The Pip Studio Floral Sticky Notes includes an assortment of  sticky pads in colorful garden inspired designs, all housed in a lovely wallet-style case.  

Elevate everyday paperwork into a style statement with this distinctive Hand-Carved Wood Gianna Paper Tray.  The handcrafted wooden paper tray features an intricately carved floral design accented with a subtle whitewash finish. 

Gold Accessories Glam Up Your Desk

Office work isn't always glamorous, but your work space can be. Outfit your workspace with some glam gold accessories from CB2.com and tackle the most tedious tasks, like those 872 unread emails in your inbox, with style.

This Gold Catchall with Lid is a shining example of how to contain and conceal small objects like paperclips in the office or jewelry in the bedroom. This sleek metallic storage box features a shiny gold surface, simple circular shape that dresses up any desktop or bedroom dresser.

 

Even bills takes on the air of fan mail when filed in this slick Balance Rose Gold Letter Holder. The reflective rose gold holder features a slim architectural silhouette that makes your bills, letters and stationary part of the style statement. More than modern good looks, this holder can help you stay organized by allowing you to separated your bills by priority.

 

The Prisma 4"x6" Picture Frame brings a new dimension to your photos. The unique prismatic structure is formed from brass coated metallic rods angled into a geometric form that stands vertically or horizontally to float a 4"x6" photo in clear glass. For something unexpected, try framing a travel postcard or meaningful quote you can print out on your own printer.

Outdoor Rugs Bring Coastal Style to Your Patio

Enjoy coastal style without the travel (or the annoying tourists) by turning your back yard into a beach themed oasis. Decorate your oasis with a good quality indoor/outdoor rug from Bed Bath and Beyond. The attractive Miami Palm Indoor/Outdoor Rug is inspired by palm fronds swaying in warm tropical breezes. The durable woven rug is made to stand up to the elements in style.  

A wave of colorful umbrellas are sprinkled along the sandy shore in this plush Beach Umbrella Indoor/Outdoor Rug in Natural. The handcrafted rug brings the festive spirit of a summertime vacation to your indoor or outdoor space.    

Drink in the tropical sea blue colors of this Fab Habitat Cancun Turquoise & Moss Green Indoor/Outdoor Rug This decorative rug is created with recycled plastic straws tightly woven together so each rug has a unique pattern.

Red, White and Blue Dishes go from Holiday to Everyday

This 4th of July declare your independence from tacky disposable tableware. Dine in style with casual red, white and blue dishes from Pier 1 Imports. Enjoy the look of luxurious fine cut glasses with Gaze Acrylic Drinkware - Blue. These glasses are made with durable shatter resistant acrylic that adds a touch of elegance to the table indoors or out.    

This pure white Lotus Bowl looks just as fresh and appealing whether it is mixed with tableware in subtle neutrals or brightly colors. The exquisite porcelain bowl features a sculptured shape and rich details appropriate for fine dining, but it sells at a price that makes it easy to buy in bulk for entertaining.

This firecracker red Spice Route Square Dinnerware - Paprika goes from the microwave to the table to dishwasher effortlessly. The handcrafted stoneware dish features a sharp looking square profile embellished wth attractive design details like beaded edges and a deep glossy, glazed finish.

Dining Pieces Perfect for Outdoor Parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it comes to outdoor entertaining there are plenty of stylish alternatives to the traditional tacky plastic tumblers, paper thin paper plates and slick synthetic tablecloths with the flair of a garbage sack. Made from durable plastic, this Embossed Patio Tile Drinkware in Aqua offers a posh element to the table. Embossed with popular ogee pattern that mimics patio tile design, this attractive aqua drinkware elegantly blends exotic style with practical materials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Oenophilia Greenophile 100% Sugar Cane Entertainment Plate makes it easy to singlehandedly carry food and wine without the usual juggling act. This 100% Sugar Cane Entertainment Plate is designed to hold a glass and food with ease. Because sugar cane is a natural renewable resource, this plate a great eco friendly alternative to styrofoam and plastic.          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bring the flavor of the Mediterranean to the table with this unique J. Queen New York Roma Tablecloth in Aqua. The medallion design of the tablecloth is infused with teal blues and sea grass greens, a popular summer palette that coordinates easily with a variety of outdoor dishware. Designed for indoor or outdoor use, this tablecloth goes wherever the party goes.

                                

Renovate, Remodel...Relax! with Expert Tips

From unreliable contractors to disjointed communication and unrealistic expectations and unexpected delays, remodeling can turn your dream of a better home into a costly  nightmare.  Renovate, Remodel... Relax! Take Your Home Improvement from "How" to "Wow" by Kathi Fleck, is a practical guide that shows you how to successfully tackle home remodeling projects from beginning to end and skip the frustrations and issues often associated with the remodeling process. 

In Renovate, Remodel... Relax! Take Your Home Improvement From "How" to "Wow", co-founder of design-build firm LoneStar Property Solutions Kathi Fleck offers professional advice for home owners looking to successfully navigate the renovation process. In this insightful book the author provides expert advice on relevant issues including the most important questions you must ask before signing a contract with a contractor, creating a realistic budget for your renovation, which home improvements will give you the greatest monetary return for your investment, handling project delays and change orders, and what to expect when working with contractors.

The book is packed with useful information that is presented in an easy to understand format that doesn't overwhelm you. Experienced remodeler Kathi Fleck provides prospective remodeling customers with a clear list of expectations. From revealing how to create your personalized "idea book" to offering advice on how to be sure you're using your money wisely to achieve your goals, to advice on maintaining your home after the remodel, this book provides homeowners with the do's and don'ts of not just surviving a remodel,  but having a satisfying  experience that results in getting what you want from your renovation. This expertly written book is a must read for anyone considering a home renovation.

Showhouses Deliver High Style Design Inspiration

I love pinning home décor images on Pinterest, but a virtual inspiration board isn't nearly as much fun as seeing great design up close and in person. One of the best ways to experience top interior design talent at an affordable price is to visit a local designer showhouse.  

Here in Kansas City, we have a chance to check out the best of local design talent at the 46th Symphony Designer Showhouse going on May 9 through June 7. The showhouse is held in a historic home with plenty of character which enhances the whole experience. A designer showhouse offers the opportunity to see different design styles by a variety of talented designers.

Whenever I visit the Symphony Designer Showhouse I usually find some the rooms inspiring, while some rooms look like design disasters. Whether I love or hate a room, I look at the combination of colors, textures and furniture placement, and I always walk away from the showhouse feeling a little more design savvy and wonderfully inspired.

Outdoor Pillows Pretty Enough to Enjoy Indoors

The outdoor pillows at Pier 1 Imports let you bring the feeling summer indoors all year long. These fade and mildew resistant porch worthy indoor/outdoor pillows from Pier 1 Imports combines the durable  practicality of outdoor furnishings with the style and comfort of an indoor pillow.

The vibrant foliage of this Cambree Bay Jute Trim Pillow brings the spirit of a tropical oasis home. Soft jute trim enhances the relaxed island vibe. 

 

This reversible Loftonaire Pillow - Stripe has a split personality. This pretty pillow features a floral and paisley design on one side, and graphic stripes in the same fresh color palette on the other. The weather-resistant pillow makes it easy to  relax any spot you want, whether you perch outside on the porch or chill out inside on the couch.

Your room will bloom with lively color when you decorate with this Belle Floral Pillow. Organic bursts of intense color gives the pattern a playful and inviting look that is perfect for the porch or other casual spaces.  The best way to showcase a brightly patterned pillow is to pair it with solid colored furnishings.

Tour the Biggest and Best Homes at the Parade of Homes

Even a Pinterest board packed with beautiful home décor pictures can't compare to seeing beautiful homes in person at the Parade of Homes. Touring the Parade of Homes is an inspiring experience.

This free event allows design enthusiasts like me to tour homes throughout the metro area for free. I always do some research before visiting the homes on the tour. I like to pick a handful of homes that are completely furnished and super expensive.

Fully furnished homes in the parade provide plenty of design inspiration. Home décor is attractively arranged to draw the eye to highlight certain features of the home. Colors and textures are used to great effect. A house may feature a space with a natural stone fireplace taking center stage in a room filled with soft upholstered furniture, warm colors on the walls and natural wood finishes for a space that feels warm and inviting.

Colorful Cocktail Glasses Quench Your Thirst for Style

You don't need to spend a fortune on fine wine to impress your guests. Serving cocktails in chic glasses makes your guests feel like they are attending a posh party even if they are sipping bargain priced booze. Contempary cheval aqua wine glass from CB2 elevates the party experience with clear aqua glass molded into an elegant silhouette. With a sculptural ornate stem and flared bowl, revelers can drink a toast to fine design. 

Don't clutter up your cocktail table with tacky wine charms! These Lilly Pulitzer colorful cocktail glasses make it easy for guest to identify their glasses at a glance by simply remembering the color of their cocktail glass. The classic silhouette and clear stems of the glasses shows off the jewel colored bowl part off to great effect. Available April 19 from Target. 

 

 

Smooth beads of brilliantly colored glass accentuate the stem of this Sagaform Spectra Champagne Glass (Set of 2) from Walmart is the last place I expected to find hand blown Champagne flutes, which just proves that if you shop around you will find the most interesting things in the most unexpected places.        

Stylish Storage Solutions for the Bathroom

One of my biggest decorating challenges is keeping my small bathroom well stocked without it looking cluttered and chaotic. Luckily I found some stylish solutions to this organizing problem at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  Make the most of limited counter space and keep all of your beauty essentials organized with the lovely 2-Tier Accessory Holder.

Nothing looks as tacky as a toilet brush on display. Conceal your toilet brush with this clever Couture Mannequin Holder. This fashionable holder hides the brush while still keeping it easily accessible from the opening in the backside. This elegant earthenware holder comes with its own brush so you can toss your old worn out toilet brush and start cleaning in style.

The only thing more appealing than the modern look of this chrome plated InterDesign Over-the-Tank 3-Roll Tissue Holder is its practicality. The well designed toilet tissue holder holds up to three rolls and has an over-the-tank design for easy reaching. The sleek design is a space saving alternative to typical toilet paper holders that sit on the floor.