Sunday, October 25, 2009

Mums: The fall flower

There's nothing better than the natural elegance and beauty that come from fresh flowers. During the fall season mums can bring these qualities to any home.

For $0 I was able to bring color and seasonal decor to my kitchen table by taking advantage of this seasonal specialty. My parents' garden provided this bouquet of purple mums. One great perk about mums is they last for a long time with little up keep. I've had these on our table for 3 weeks and they still look vibrant and crisp. I was overjoyed to spend no money AND bring fresh flowers inside.






Take a look around your yard for decoration inspiration. Fall leaves, pine cones, acorns, etc. The possibilities are endless!
(stay tuned for my holiday decorating idea centered around sticks)

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Deals of the Week: Fall Edition

Don't miss these deals (all in fall colors)

Ever think of spicing up your bathroom or living room with some fall colors to jive with the season. Without spending a lot of money, you can bring the beauty of fall indoors...

Fez Towels

Fez Towels from West Elm
Modern, Moroccan, and Machine washable.
What a steal at $1.99 each.


Textured Pillow Cover, 18", Black

Pillows from Pottery Barn.
Throwing a simple pillow onto a couch or chair will add a pop of color to any room.
Check out these pillows in all colors, including the warm tones for fall.
Hurry they are final sale items and inexpensive especially for great quality and style!



http://images.crateandbarrel.com/is/image/Crate/VinePumpkinsOB09?$sharelarge$

Vine Pumpkins from Crate and Barrel
I'm always thrilled to fine Halloween decor that is NOT orange and tacky. These pumpkins are neutral, nifty, and nine dollars (well $9.95 but close enough)

http://www.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/70/f/AAAAC0yGTJkAAAAAAHD-Gg.jpg

http://images.crateandbarrel.com/is/image/Crate/MathildaMrnMatCtnCrntNapF9?$lg$
http://images.crateandbarrel.com/is/image/Crate/TajaOrngMatLstrRustNapF9?$family$
Place mats from Crate and Barrel
Add glitz and glam to your table with placements that compliment the season.


Happy Fall!

Monday, October 5, 2009

All Things Handmade

As I previously mentioned in a post about my design style, I love handmade items. I admire their originality and the personal touch they can add to any room. I was thrilled and overwhelmed when I stumbled across the site, www.etsy.com.

On this site individuals create and sell handmade or vintage items. Ranging from jewelry to furniture, to whatever else creative and original.

Check out these sleek magnetic boards


Large Teal Coriander Fabric Covered Magnet BoardLarge (13x18) Moda Wunderland Fabric Covered Magnet Board - Art and Organization

or these unique handmade pillows


modern daisyLOVE scrabble tile pillowsmod pillowpear pair in dijon UNFILLED

Check out the site for more unique home decor.
(also great for one-of-a-kind gifts)

Happy Handmade Shopping!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Get Crafty with Pumpkins

Hello October! The warm days and cool nights are a sure sign that fall has arrived. Fall signifies, warm apple-cider, hay rides, and pumpkin carving! Kids are not the only ones who enjoy the pleasures of pumpkin decor.

Pumpkins allow for many cheap yet sophisticated DIY projects that brighten up your home and bring the festivities of the season inside.

Pumpkin Projects
Let the fun and creativity begin...

1. Paint a pumpkin (no, not a silly face with black paint). If orange does not match your decor paint the pumpkin white, gold, or any shade to match your room. You may also want to add a small detail for added glitz.

http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2008/06/ss_100964026.jpghttp://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2006/08/p_100220711.jpghttp://needlemarket.com/quiltedmoments/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/WhitePaintedPumpkin_Full_thumb.jpg


2. Create a Pumpkin Centerpiece

I love the idea of making a pumpkin vase and filling it with a fall assortment. So festive and cheap! You could also place a couple of small pumpkins or gourds in a bowl for an instant, timeless centerpiece.
http://www.thepartydress.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Pumpkin-Centerpiece.jpghttp://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4612331/vase3-main_Full.jpg

3. Pumpkin Candles
It's Simple. Carve the pumpkin. Paint it if you choose and insert a tea-light candle and you have yet another fancy use for our favorite fall accessory. So cute and calming.
http://www.weddingbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/la101956_1106_gtautum_l.jpg

Happy Pumpkin crafting!
If you take on one of these fun projects...send your pictures our way! (mmhessen@gmail.com)