Quick Change

This is the time of the year we get in the mood for change. Here is a quick and inexpensive idea for your windows.

Sheers are inexpensive to buy if you don't already own any. Instead of the tradional way of sliding them on a rod pocket pole try mounting them with clips. Use as little or as many as you want to get the effect you love. The picture shows adding tassels for interest. You can also loosely wrap the pole in multiple ribbons or a garland of flowers. Lengths of ribbon attached at the clips so that they hang down at different lengths are a creative way to add color.

I would love to hear your ideas. Add them to the comments.

Gettting Ready For Outdoor Living

Enjoy this time between the winter chill and the muggy nights of summer to by taking activities outside. Create an outdoor room on your porch or deck that will be perfect for dining, reading or napping. Begin by giving the area a thorough cleaning. Toss out those plastic flower pots that get stockpiled each year. Replace them with vessels made of natural materials such as clay, stone or glazed pottery. There are many faux stone planters available if you need something that can be moved easily. Fill your new pots with a combination of plants. Start with something low that will spill over the sides such as ivy, next tuck in impatiens that will grow to a beautiful puff of color. Your local garden center manager will be able to recommend the perfect combinations for your environment. Be sure to ask for something with a wonderful fragrance that will heighten the experience of sitting in your garden room.

Your new favorite space will need comfortable seating and a table. This can be a splurge of new furniture with a tailored classic look or you can rummage through the attic or garage sales for a mixture of pieces that give you a charming cottage feel. If you have a collection of mismatched pieces unify them by painting everything the same color. White is the most popular hue but find spray paint in color that makes you happy….that is what this area is all about!

To finish off this wonderful retreat, think of things that will appeal to the senses. Fill the seating with comfortable pillows. The market is being flooded with great outdoor fabrics so you don’t have to worry about a sudden rainstorm. Buy a great set of plastic dishes so that you don’t have to worry about breakage. From the dollar store to mall department stores, you can find plates and cups that are different from your everyday place settings. The change will make a simple sandwich seem tastier.

A Space For You

A Space For You

For most women, the bathroom is a retreat. Does yours look like a restful spa or is it a cluttered dingy box? Transforming this area starts with a plan. First clear everything movable out. Look at your space. Do you want a new color scheme? Is it time to paint or wallpaper? What are your storage issues?

Let’s start with the walls. Go to the paint and wallpaper store and collect samples. Pick up safe choices as well as something you have never tried before. Using painters tape, tack everything on the wall and live with it a couple of days. Make a choice and go for it.

Your new bathroom is going to stay clutter free. If you have a vanity, clean it out. If you have lived in this house for a few years you will marvel at the things that you have taking up space. Jr. is graduating from high school this year so you can throw away the diaper rash ointment. If you looked good at the disco in that glitter make up and it wasn’t a retro dance get rid of it. Toss, toss, toss. Now look at the clean drawers and plan out what goes where. Have a place for the curling iron and blow dryer. Keep the styling products in a drawer not on the countertop. Shop for items that will help you use the space efficiently. Line the drawers with pretty paper that you will enjoy each time you reach for your brush.

Your walls will need artwork. Because of the humidity of the room, don’t place your priceless paintings in this area. This is a great place for prints that are big on style and small on price.

Splurge on big fluffy towels and a warm plush rug and your bathroom will become a sensual haven. MMMM relax and enjoy.