Fall Mantle Decorating Ideas That Will Inspire You

It is that time of year, cooler temps, sweater weather and spending more time indoors decorating for fall.

One of the best focal points to consider when decorating for fall is the fireplace mantle. To get the most out of your fireplace, you should treat the mantle like a treasured piece of furniture.  Adorn it with your favorite objects such as old books, lanterns, candles, and wreaths keeping in mind the decor style of your home.   Here are a few examples below to inspire you to achieve a beautifully decorated fall mantel.  (Source:  Pinterest)

                                                      Fresh greenery, pinecones and green
                                                      and white pumpkins, so timeless.

         
                                                     Vintage brass bottles and berries adorn
                                                                     this sweet mantle.
                                 

                                      A classic fireplace mantle with orange pumpkins,
                                                   candle lanterns and calligraphy.

               
                      Have a great week...Be Inspired!

Give Your Home A Restyle For The Fall Season

Summer is almost over and fall officially begins September 22.  The Autumn season is my favorite time of year, with cooler temperatures and cozy interiors, its the perfect time to restyle your home and embrace the season.

One of the easiest ways to go from summer to fall when decorating is to use color in autumnal hues such as yellows, reds, oranges, browns, and eggplant (or aubergine).  Implement rich textures and tones by introducing throws, leather chairs, and plush ottomans.  Swap out lightweight rugs for a more substantial one with a subtle pattern and a striking color.

To achieve a cozy setting hang drapery to bare windows for an intimate feel, place patterned pillows on a sofa and most importantly don't forget lighting.  Most people tend to overlook this very important detail but adding soft ambient lighting sets the stage for the entire room.  With so many different options available such as floor lamps, antique chandeliers, and wall sconces you can choose the best type that is suited to your home.

Elevate your mantel by decorating it with some harvest touches - candles, lanterns, and even branches placed in a vase and lush greenery.

Lastly, have fun restyling your home for the fall season, and choose pieces that make you feel happy to be home.   See below:

                                   Source:  Google
             A fall inspired living room featuring tones of
             rich plums, dark floors and autumn foliage.

                                       Source: Elle Decor
                This exquiste dining room uses a bold
      color scheme of navy and reds to make a statement.
       

                                         Source:  Elle Decor   
                  Tones of oranges and brown gives life to this                                    leather banquette seating.       
    
      Have a great week everyone!

Bring the Relaxing Scent of Aromatherapy Into Your Home

Aromatherapy is the ancient practice of using essential oils derived from healing plants to aid in the treatment of various ailments whether physical or emotional.

How Does Aromatherapy Work:

When we inhale essential oils through our nose, these molecules are carried to the lungs and in turn travel to several systems throughout the limbic system (the part of the brain that involves behavior and emotions).

Popular Plants Used In Essential Oils:

•  Peppermint (aids in digestion, energy booster)
•  Lemongrass (relieves a headache)
•  Ginger (reduces inflammation)
•  Eucalyptus (colds)
•  Lavender (treats anxiety and promotes relaxation)
•  Rosemary (skin care and hair growth)
•  Flowers (Roses, Geranium)

The Benefits of Aromatherapy:

 1. Reduces stress and inflammation (muscle pain)
 2. Helps fight fatigue
 3. Improves Digestion
 4. Lifts depression/moods
 5. Improves skin care

If you want to have a more relaxing environment at home, aromatherapy is a good place to start.  Whether you choose a diffuser, candles or wax melts to transport essential oils keep in mind that true essential oils should be 100 percent pure and not synthetic.  (label should state 100 percent pure).  Remember, genuine aromatherapy candles are made from soy and not paraffin wax.

Create a home environment that soothes your soul and relaxes your mind so you can be your best self.

                                             Diffuser via Better Homes and Gardens

How To Make Laundry Day A Whole Lot Easier

Happy New Year 2018!  To my readers, I wish you health and happiness for the year ahead and success in everything you do.

Since a new year is upon us and we want to make a fresh start,  tackling the laundry is one of those areas where organizing is the key to making our daily lives easier and more productive.  Follow these steps below to stay ahead of the game and make your laundry day easier.

                     Source:  Google

1. Pre-treat stains right away.  Keep a stain removal pen on hand to quickly treat coffee, tea, and other beverage stains.
    
2. Don't overload your washing machine.  We all tend to do this but stuffing the washer only creates wrinkles and prevents a thorough clean.   According to most manufacturers, you should leave a gap between the top of the drum and your laundry. 
3. Remove clean laundry immediately after being washed to prevent creases.
4. Use a mesh laundry bag for delicates and undergarments to keep them from straying.  The mesh bag can then be tossed straight into the dryer. 
5. Inspect pockets for coins, candy, pens, and tissue before starting your laundry.  This step will save you a lot of time later on when you notice tissue residue on all your clean clothes!
6. Give each family member their own designated hamper with separate sections (whites/dark/light) to make sorting a breeze. 
7. Before putting your laundry into the dryer make sure to untangle items that get twisted and place items uniformly in the dryer.  Try not to overload the dryer as this will cause uneven drying which will lead to double work for you. 
8.  To alleviate the need for ironing, before the dryer cycle comes to an end, take items that are slightly damp and hang them.  This will avert wrinkles.
9.  Lastly, to really make your laundry day a whole lot easier, upgrade your appliances if your budget allows.  An energy-efficient washer and dryer will pay for itself in no time, as they can do the work in half the time.   This will leave you with more time to spend with your family/friends, reading or doing something fun.
   
   For more laundry day tips and tricks visit https://tide.com

                                                               
                                                           Source:  Worldmarket

5 Easy Home Improvement Ideas

Home improvement should not feel like a burden.  DIY projects should be affordable, fast and practical with a big impact.  These 5 home improvement ideas below do just that.


Frame your bathroom mirror with crown molding. Buy crown molding from the hardware store pre-cut to your measurements, spray paint it and glue to mirror. See full instructions at DIY Network

Source:  Pinterest

 Paint an accent wall a bright and bold color.  This is a tried and true home improvement idea that designer's use to showcase a featured wall. 

Upgrade your coat closet by replacing the inside shelf with coat hooks.  The hooks will give your closet a clean and organized look.  

  Change out your bathroom shower head for a water saving, modern shower head.  They are so many styles to choose from that will instantly improve the look of your bath.

1. 

• Update your light switches, dimmers, and outlets. Switch out old outdated plastic light switches with contemporary switches.  This change will give your home a fresh new look for a minimum amount of money and effort. Check out the Adorne Collection at Lowe's for an array of switches and outlets.

Like what you're reading?  Then subscribe to my posts for more home improvement and decorating tips.  Have a great weekend!

How to Make Your Home Look More Expensive

Have you ever walked into someone's home and it has a luxury feel to it even though it may be small?  Well, there is a secret to why some houses look expensive and it has to do with how it has been thoughtfully decorated.

Choosing the right kind of furniture, art, accessories and upgrading your existing fixtures will yield that outcome.

This is how to make your home look expensive:

Upgrade Your Light Fixtures

Switch out your outdated light fixtures for a more contemporary look.

Artwork

Decorate your walls with large scale art.  Nothing says expensive more than artwork.  Shop thrift stores and estate sales for large scale art, just replace chipped and worn out frames with new ones.

Improve Hardware and Doors

Improving the quality of hardware for​ example, your kitchen and bathroom cabinet knobs, will make a world of difference.  Also consider upgrading your front door and interior doors.

Sculptured Art

Place a sculptured piece of art on a console table by the entryway. A sculptured art is a statement piece and will give your home a touch of luxury.

Elevate Your Accessories

Source: Pinterest

Elevate your accessories with a faux fur throw, good quality window treatments, an antique collection of plates and a heirloom styled vase.

Thanks for reading and have a happy 4th of July!

3 Simple Ways To Style A Nightstand

The nightstand or bedside table is an essential item in keeping our bedrooms organized, but it often gets overlooked as a place to be styled.  A well-styled nightstand will definitely make your bedroom look more pleasing and have a more finished look.

There are several ways to style a nightstand, it all depends on your personal taste and style of decor.  See below:

                                               GLAM
               
            This style is glamourus with fresh flowers, a
            designer candle, matches, and a jewelry dish.
     

                                   

           
                                             SIMPLE

                      Styled simply with task lighting

                                               ORGANIC

                  Styled organically with an eco-friendly
                  houseplants and personal curiosities.  
             
                                        Source: Google

Do you have a favorite style?  Leave a comment below.

Create A Beautiful Guestroom Retreat in Your Home

As your guestroom will be getting a lot of use through the summer months, why not transform it into a beautiful retreat that your guests can appreciate. 

A guestroom should feel relaxing, welcoming and comfortable as you want your guests to feel "at home".   Even if you don't have a dedicated space for a guest room you can create one simply by turning a den or office into a cozy guestroom.

Creating Your Retreat

Bedding
To create your retreat start with the bed.  Always have fresh bed linens that have been ironed, lots of pillows and extra bedding.  Put a throw or summer blanket on the foot of the bed in case your guests get chilly at night.

Nightstand
Place a tray on the nightstand with magazines and books, writing essentials, a tissue box and fresh flowers. Have a carafe of water available if space allows.

Closet
Make sure the closet is well stocked with hangers and hooks so they have a place to put their belongings.

Guest Bathroom
Clean the guest bathroom and replace towels with clean cotton towels and washcloths.  Gather guest toiletries together (toothbrushes, pretty soaps, shampoo, and lotions) and place in a basket for their convenience. Lastly, light a candle for aromatherapy.

                                Source:  Southern Living Magazine

                                            Source:  Google

5 Outdoor Entertaining Ideas from Pinterest

Summer is all about outdoor entertaining.  Why stay inside when you can take advantage of the beautiful weather and dine under the stars.  

Pinterest has you covered with lots of outdoor entertaining ideas whether you are planning a birthday party, July 4th party or anniversary party.  See below:

                                   
                                            An elegant table set with fresh blooms
   
                                                                     

       
                                               Trees wrapped with twinkle lights      

Pretty canopy with cottage style pillows 

                                     
                                               Tribal decor with lots of green plants

                     

Mismatched dining chairs and an opulent chandelier

Source:  Pinterest

How To Style A Bar Cart For Summer Entertaining

Summer entertaining just got a whole lot easier thanks to the amazing and popular bar cart.

A bar cart serves a dual purpose- it is not only functional but decorative as well.  To use as a decorative piece leave it in the dining room or living room to display your favorite glassware or vintage wares.

You can purchase bar carts from Target, and they are available in a wide assortment from wood to brass with plenty of styles to choose from.  Prices range from $50.00-$200.00.

Now you will need to gather a few things before you get your bar cart styled:

• clear glass bottles with toppers
• decanters
• glassware (highball and wine glasses)
• fresh citrus
• coasters
• ice bucket and thongs
• bar tools
• napkins

                      How To Style Your Bar Cart

Create zones within your bar cart by using trays.  Trays help to organize each area and make it look more pleasing to your guests.  Set a color scheme by color coordinating your decanters/glassware and group together.  Add appetizers, a water station, and

dress up your cart with unique essentials such as fancy napkins, straws and custom coasters.  Lastly, add fresh flowers.

Décor Tip:

Don't overcrowd when styling your cart, keep things simple.

Do you have a unique tip for styling a bar cart?  Please share your comments below.  Thanks!

Organizing Your Garden Shed Is Easier Than You Think

     "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow".

                                                            Audrey Hepburn

Gardening time is here and its the perfect time to organize your gardening or potting shed.

The gardening shed is such a workhorse for all seasons but especially the summer season.  A storage facility for gardening tools, potting soil, clay pots, fertilizer, etc., it is often the last place to be organized.  Keeping the potting shed clean and organized will make gardening a whole lot easier, trust me!

Below are a few practical ideas to easily organize your garden shed:

• Install a work surface that houses tools and supplies for potting your plants.  
• Use pegboards on wall to organize shelves and hooks.
• Mount a small storage compartment to the door of the shed for small tools such as a pruner or hand shovel.
• Place bins and pails on shelves for storing fertilizer.
• Keep watering cans, gloves and gardening gear neatly organized on shelves, placing the most used items on the bottom.
• Store bulbs in hanging planters until you're ready to plant them.

Your garden shed will be a lot more functional after being organized and in turn, it will make gardening more pleasurable.

                           Organized Potting Sheds

                                       Source: Google

                                 Have a great Sunday!