#creative decorating tips

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Meaningful Christmas Gifts

Well, the hustle and bustle of Christmas is behind us and as the wrapping paper dust settles I find myself enjoying some much needed down time. We had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by family and good food. I personally over indulged in too many Christmas goodies.

My daughter had the “Best Christmas Ever” because on Christmas morning a new guinea pig named Roxie was waiting for her under thr tree. My son was thrilled to receive many of the video games he had on his wish list.

As an adult I find that I don’t get excited about Christmas gifts like when I was a child. The magic belongs to the children. Its hard to get all goosey over a dust mop or sweater all though these things a nice and very much appreciated.

This year I did receive a gift that has touched my heart, leaving me feeling all warm and gushy inside. I have been a decorator at heart most of my life. Even as a teenager I delighted in decorating my room. For quite some time I have toyed with the idea of taking a course in Interior Decorating but never took any steps down that path for fear of “stinking at it”. I just wasn’t sure I could decorate for someone else.

Well, the past few months I have been thinking about it again and decided after the holidays I would sign up for a course at an online college. Even if I “Stink” at it atleast I will not be in my death bed years from now wondering “What if”. I hadn’t really discussed it my my husband much but I sent away for course information and had left it on my counter. Christmas morning I unwrapped a small gift from my husband to find the school application filled out with the payment information. He’s sending me back to school! I am so excited and so thankful to him for his support. I can honestly say that is one gift that brought back the Christmas magic I felt as a child. I Love you honey!

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The Thrill of the Hunt

Long before I was introduced to Rachel Ashwell’s “Shabby Chic” style of decorating I was out and about happily digging through fleamarkets, thrift stores and an occasional rubbage pile. I grew up on the south shore of Long Island, NY where people throw just about anything out on the curb on trash night. My love affair with other people’s “trash” began when I was a newly married woman without two nickels to rub together. I remember being pregnant in the dead of winter and spotting a chest of drawers sitting out in the front of someone’s house. Needing a dresser for the new baby I made my husband stop and throw it in the back of the car. I was now officially a garbage picker. It was a nice sturdy piece with a broken bottom drawer. I brought it home, gave it a new paint job, did a quick fix on the drawer and put it in the nursery. It still sits in my sons room 13 years later and is still in good shape. I’ve since pulled quite a few more treasures out of the trash incuding scrap wood with lots of character, old windows, fencing, etc.

In 1998 we moved down to North Carolina and I am sad to say that its slim pickins’ here on trash day. They have lots of regulations and most trash collectors won’t take furniture or large pieces so people have to find other ways of getting rid of things. We do have some awesome thrift shops here though. There is this one local favorite that people actually line up at the door outside before the place opens. I got hooked on that place years ago and have decorated most of my home with things I have found there. I remember stopping there one day after dropping my son off at preschool. It was about 10 minutes before opening time and there were people gathered by the front door. I got out of the car and mingled with them and prayed nobody I knew saw me as they drove by. As the elderly man came and unlocked the doors I almost got trampled as people pushed there way through the door trying to be the first ones in. I couldn’t believe it. These thrift store shoppers could be ruthless, and eventually I became one of them. I would park myself in front of the door with my daughter in a stroller prepared to run anyone over who got in my way. Well, I never had to inflict bodily harm on anyone but did hold on to a vintage breadbox for dear life as people eyeballed it. A friend of mine was there a few months ago looking at a lamp. Her arms were full so she put it down for a second and a lady came by and swooped in. The lady grabbed the lamp and when my friend said “Hey that’s mine!” The lady said “Sorry I just HAVE to have it” and TOOK IT! My friend just sat there dumbfounded. Its amazing what comes over people hunting for a bargain.

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A Thanksgiving Inspired Christmas Tree

Start Your Holiday Decorating Early By Creating a Thanksgiving Inspired Christmas Tree

Looking to get a jump start on your holiday decorating this year? Pull out your Christmas tree in November and decorate it for Thanksgiving! I did this Thanksgiving Inspired Christmas Tree for a featured article in Smart Retailer Magazine a couple of months ago.

It was a fun project and I love the idea of decorating a Christmas Tree for Thanksgiving.

                                            To create your own Thanksgiving Inspired Christmas Tree, trim it with burlap ribbon, silk sunflowers, pine cones, small scarecrows and raffia bows. Don’t forget the white lights!

                                            Place the tree on the floor or if you are decorating a small tree place it on a small table and use some burlap as a tree skirt. Instead of gifts under the tree, create a vignette with Autumn and Thanksgiving inspired decor.

  Your Thanksgiving Inspired Christmas Tree will make a statement in your home that your guests will be talking about!

When Thanksgiving is over, remove all the embellishments and start decorating your tree for Christmas!

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Quick and Easy Ways To Update An Old Sofa

A Creative Decorating Tip Just For You: Give Grandma’s Old Couch A New Updated Look

If  you ever find yourself with an old, outdated sofa and buying new just isn’t an option there are a couple of easy ways you can update an old sofa that won’t cost a fortune.

                                  Slipcovers like this Surefit Amelie Slipcover from Wayfair is a quick and easy way to update an old, worn out sofa that has seen better days. Slipcovers widely range in pricing, fit and quality but are all budget friendly compared to splurging for a new sofa. Perfect for Grandma’s well meaning hand-me-down sofa, a slipcover can customize the look of a room and compliment your existing decor.

                                          If your budget is really small or you just don’t want to invest in a slipcover, you can update an old sofa by adding new pillows in fresh, trendy fabric. Colorful pillows and a cozy throw will stand out, making the dated look of the sofa fall into the background.

                                  Buy a few new pillows at your favorite home store or make your own for a custom look!

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Tips and Tricks For Decorating For Christmas On A Budget

Creative Ways That Will Make Decorating For Christmas On A Budget Fun and Easy.

Decorating for Christmas on a budget this year and need a little inspiration? Here are a few quick and easy tips that will get you started on creating a beautiful holiday!

Deck The Halls With Ornaments

Glass Christmas tree ornaments are very inexpensive and you can cheaply buy them in bulk at discount stores and even thrift shops. Fill glass containers with new or vintage ornaments for a pretty centerpiece. Tuck them in bowls or on shelves among your everyday decor for a festive look.

                                            Dress up a chandelier by hanging an assortment or glass ornaments from each arm.

                                      Bring In The Great Outdoors.

Your own backyard can be a great source for decorating for Christmas on a budget and the best part is that it’s all free! Gather some dead branches, paint them white and sprinkle with glitter. Place them in a vase or other decorative container and you have a beautiful centerpiece! Greenery from Holly bushes or pine trees can be made into wreaths, garlands or tucked in shelves and book cases. If you  do not have pine trees or another type of evergreens in your backyard you may be able to get some leftover Christmas tree clippings from your local home improvement store or Christmas tree lot. They usually throw them away anyway.

Pine cones make great fillers during the holidays. Place them in baskets, wooden bowls, on shelves or a mantel. Roll them in Spackle, let it dry and it will give the pine cones the illusion that they are covered in snow! You can also do this with the old branches you brought in from the backyard.

                                            Wrap It Up!

Need to fill up a naked corner, shelf or table? Wrap up empty boxes with decorative paper and fancy ribbon to create cute Christmas packages. You can place them in the soffit area in your kitchen, under a tree, in baskets or just about anywhere that needs a little holiday cheer. Small packages can be placed in bowls or other containers.

                                            You can also use the same technique on your walls. “Wrap” up framed art or photos that normally hang on your wall with decorative paper and ribbon and you will have instant holiday decor!

  Well, there are a few quick and easy tips to get you started on decorating for Christmas on a budget. You do not have to have a ton of money in your pocket to have a beautiful Christmas!

Do you have a budget friendly Holiday decorating tip you would like to share? I would love to hear about them!

~Lisa

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A Quick and Easy Way To Dress Up Boring Bathroom Cabinets

A Quick and Easy Way To Dress Up Boring Bathroom Cabinets With Wallpaper

Does your bathroom need a makeover but a complete remodel is just not in your budget? Do you yawn every time you look at your plain old boring bathroom cabinets?

                                  You can easily give your bathroom (or kitchen) cabinets a new look with a little paint, creativity and textured wallpaper. Paint your cabinets with a color of your choice. Simply adhere panels of textured wallpaper to the doors of your cabinets, paint the wallpaper in a contrasting color and highlight the details of the with a color wash overlay.

                              Add some new hardware and your boring bathroom cabinets will have a new updated look and feel!

                                  You can find textured wallpaper at your local home improvement or wall covering store. This easy makeover will not break the bank and you will love the effect the wallpaper gives to the room. For more information and detailed instructions please visit my article: Updating Bathroom Cabinetry…Cottage Style.