Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Farmhouse Wares

I found a lot of cute things for my wish list at Farmhouse Wares.  They have cute must haves from bed, bath, to garden.  My two favorite things from this website are the cupcake stands and the Savon de Marseille soap. 

I don't make cupcakes very often but I can think of cute things use these around the house.  You can pick up a set of 6 for around $40.  Also, check out the cake plates as well.

I'm ready to get my hands on this soap! This Savon de Marseille soap is make from olive oil and vegetable oils and takes two weeks to make.  It's good for sensitive and dry skin.  One cube sells for about $7.00.  I just wish she would sell it with the cute white ceramic piece it's sitting in.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Style Scope

Home Goods is one of our (me and my mom) favorite places to shop.  They have a STYLE SCOPE QUIZ (click on the style scope words for the quiz) to help you defne your style.  You can also win gift cards and a $5000 shopping spree.
My style is Glamorous Eclectic. 
I have wide-ranging interests and influences and appreciate a mix of whatever I deem fantastic.  I would be bored to tears using a matching suite of furniture or could never stand a home that seemed cookie-cutter.  I fearlessly embrace luxury, beauty and fun.  Velvet, silver, graphic patterns, even wallpaper; I understand the old-Hollywood, movie star sense of theatrical extravagance.  I do not understand the minimalist idea of less is more. More is more, so long as it is chic and exciting.
I value creativity.  I am stylish and fun loving, and can be an inspiration to others.  I have a natural sense of drama, and know I have to be willing to take risks—whether with colors, finishes, furniture choices, or ideas—for my home to stand out. My home is happy and lively.


Putting Your Style to Work!

With your style and needs in mind, here are a few tips that will help you make your home a little happier.

1. Your Design Challenge: UNIFY. The good news is, you probably have many things you love and have collected, and no one would ever say your home is boring! You've done the hard part; now you just need to pull it all together. If your furniture seems like a mish-mash, unify it through similar upholsters or slipcovers. When grouping objects, try to find something they have in common. If they share a shape, color or material, they will look like a collection. A tray is every decorator's secret weapon for making groups of small objects look purposeful and sculptural. If your accessories are all over the map, try subduing the upholstery or wall color, so your small items are the stars.  ***Actually, my biggest downfall is object placement.  I look at Bless Our Nest and wonder why I can't do that!***
2. Your Happy Place. Think of your outdoor space, no matter how small, as rooms, and create distinct areas. A pair of chaises flanking a little side table makes a living room. A lantern hanging from a tree or pergola over a table and chairs makes a dining room. A cluster of potted plants on a patio can create a cozy nook, and a single urn or bench placed at the far end can draw your eye, making a space seem longer. Big lanterns with candles sitting on the ground create a sense of space and give beautiful light. Try out new ideas before you start shopping by taking a photo of your area and laying some tracing paper over the print to draw whatever you're planning first.
3. Be Party-Ready All the Time! Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!
Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, keep some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.
Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.
~ Design by Barclay Butera
**Let me know what your results were, I'd like to know**