My Latest Finds...

It's been a couple of weeks since my last mini haul. Since that time, I have found some really great items for my home.


This iron piece, in a niche just off the family room, is one of my favorites. I had been looking for just the right accessory for the narrow ledge beneath it. I found this great iron votive holder at Kirkland's. It came with 9 votives, in alternating shades of red, amber and green. It also included a small bag of river rocks, to scatter in the tray. It's really pretty at night, when the tealights are lit.

Next, I got a green seeded glass vase for $9.99 at Ross. It's nothing fancy; but, I liked the color and the jute around the neck. I think it will be a cute accent piece somewhere in the kitchen.

I started collecting urns a few years ago, and have them scattered throughout my home. I think they are such a classic statement piece; and they never go out of style. Thomasville was having a closeout sale and guess what I got???

I just love the detail!

I don't normally buy accessories at furniture stores (they're waaaay overpriced); but, when you can find them at "going out of business" sales, you can get REALLY good deals! I got two of these.

I also like to use finials as accents on tabletops and on top of books and book boxes. I got these two at Hobby Lobby. 

This one was $7.50 at 50% off...

And this one was on clearance for $2. It is actually one half of a set of bookends. (I guess the other half got broken; and they had to sell this one alone.) The base has such pretty detailing, that I HAD to get it!  For $2, I'll just turn the flat side to the back...LOL!

I love iron candelabras of all kinds, and I thought this one was pretty. It was on sale at Hobby Lobby for 50% off, as well. I'm thinking of using it on the ledge, behind the tub, in the master bath.

Finally, I found these great vases. I love the 'molten drip'; and they were the perfect shade of red. I think they'll be perfect in the office above the bookshelves. 

Well, that's it for now. I have a couple of projects that I am working on. I hope I'll be able to post them in the next day or so. Until then, "Happy Decorating!"

Linking to:

Coastal Charm-Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Type 'A' Decorating-Anything Goes

Finding Fabulous-Frugalicious Friday

The Thrifty Groove-Thrifty Things Friday

 From My Front Porch To Yours-Treasure Hunt Thursday

Primp Your Stuff Wednesdays

Verse for the Day:

The wise woman builds her house; but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.   Proverbs 14:1 (NIV)



Fall Tuscan Breakfast Table

Today, I am sharing my fall breakfast table. With so much color in the kitchen already, I decided to use a more neutral dinnerware set, as opposed to my traditional fall dinnerware.  I wanted my base colors to be a bit more subdued and relaxed.  This would allow the fall accents to take center stage.  I took the seating down from six to four; and took my color cues from this Tuscan landscape tapestry, behind the table.

I started by layering a set of my everyday dishes on top of a rusty red placemat...replacing the neutral mat that I normally use. The dishes are a cross between brown and a mossy green. I chose the round woven placemat, in a russet color, for it's texture; and the shape contrasts nicely with the square dinnerware. I also love the neutral runner that remains on the table, as well. The thick fringe on the ends adds another layer of texture.

These are the dishes on the neutral mat.

I replaced the neutral placemats with the rusty red.

For my centerpiece, I used a small leather trunk that I have had for quite awhile, and filled it with a small arrangement of nature's bounty. I used hydrangeas, some dried grasses and florals, mini pumpkins, feathered balls, a few berries, and pheasant feathers.  I placed a few artichokes, in front, on the table.

I purchased these maple leaf napkins and harvest napkin rings at Kohl's, on sale for $1.99 each. They also bring a touch of fall color to the table.

Next, I chose to use brown glassware and the coordinating dinnerware mugs to complete the setting. Since this is our everyday table, I chose not to use anything "too fancy".

For height in the center, I brought in a gazing ball and its iron base, from the garden.  I love the dripping fall color, and the balance it adds to this side of the table; and I tossed some fall leaves around for color.

On the opposite side, I placed candles of varied heights.  I love the trio of fall colors on each candle.

Finally, I topped off each setting with a single artichoke.

 I hope you have enjoyed your visit today! Fall blessings to you!!

Please go over and visit my friend, Liz at Savvy Seasons by Liz for her BIG FALL GIVEAWAY!

Linking to:

Three Mango Seeds-Motivational Monday

House of Hepworths-Hookin Up

Savvy Seasons by Liz Autumn Arrives Party

Katherine's Corner-Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

Primp Your Stuff Wednesdays

The Blackberry Vine-Tuesday to do Party

Katherine's Corner-Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

Type 'A'-Anything Goes

Not Just A Housewife-Show Me What Ya Got

Homemaker on a Dime-Creative Bloggers Party Hop

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia-Tuesday's Treasures Fall Party

Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday

Debbiedoo's Newbie Linkie Party

Under The Table and Dreaming Sunday Showcase Party

Happy to Design-Sunday Favorites

The Tablescaper Seasonal Sundays

Flaunt It Friday

Home Savvy Freshmen Friday

Stuff and Nonsense-Fridays Unfolded

Feathered Nest Friday

At The Picket Fence-Inspiration Friday

2805: Potpourri Friday

The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home

Kristen's Creations

BNOTP-Tablescape Thursday

No Minimalist Here-Open House Party

A Stroll Thru Life-Table Top Tuesday

Cottage Monday

Be Colorful-Motivated Monday

Boogieboard Cottage-Masterpiece Monday

Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesdays

Verse of the Day:

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.    

 Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Embellished Candles

Some of you have emailed me regarding the cross candles that are displayed throughout my home. The most common question being..."Did you buy the candles with the crosses or did you add those?"

The answer is...I added them. It's REALLY easy to do! You see these candles, in boutiques, selling for about $35...minimum.  Additionally, the same shops are now selling crosses with "push pins" on the back, starting at about $19.99.

After studying these little gems for a minute, I realized I could make my own.

All of the components can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, during their 50% off specials...the candles, a roll of ribbon, and the crosses.

You simply take your candle, measure the ribbon around the perimeter, and secure with a dab of hot glue:

Then, run a strip of hot glue down the center of the cross and press it to the candle:

It's that simple! (Tip: Do not try to attach the cross directly to the candle, without the ribbon. It will not adhere well, due to the waxy surface.)

If you want to do something, other than crosses, to coordinate with your decor, you can also use crowns or fleur de lis symbols. I have even used decorative drawer/cabinet pulls that have a flat back. (These all can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, as well).

They usually cost me about $7 to make; and add so much to a room. These could be a great addition to your holiday decor; and you can get really creative with the embellishments you choose to adorn your candle.

That's it for today..."Happy Decorating"!

Linking to:
Women Who Do It All-Idea Sharing Wednesday
The Project Queen-Turning The Daunting Into The Do-able
Homemaker on a Dime-Creative Bloggers Party
Savvy HomeMade Monday
Debbiedoo's Newbie Linkie Party
Dittle Dattle Amaze Me Monday
Inspire Me Monday
Market Yourself Monday-Lunch Bag
 The Blackberry Vine-Tuesday To Do
Tuesday's Treasures
Type A: Anything Goes
Coastal Charmn-Nifty Thifty Tuesday
Home Stories A to Z
Grits and Glamour-Keep It Simple
Kristen's Creations
Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesdays
Home Savvy Freshmen Friday
Flaunt It Friday
At The Picket Fence Inspiration Friday
Finding Fabulous Frugalicious Friday
The Thrifty Groove-Thrifty Things Fridayl
My Romantic Home-Show and Tell Friday
Stuff and Nonsense-Fridays Unfolded
Home is Where My Story Begins-Home and Family Friday


Be sure to visit Cindy's blog, DWELLINGS ,for her fantastic giveaway!! Please visit her site for details!!


Verse for Today:

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Some Fall Inspiration

I hope all of you have had a great weekend!! We are having beautiful weather; however, those cool temps, that we enjoyed last weekend, are creeping back into the upper 90's. Despite that, when my calendar says, "September", I am in fall mode!  Today, I'm so excited to bring out my fall decor and transform my home into my autumn sanctuary.  I just love all of the warm colors of the season...the deep rusty reds, bronzes, oranges, and golds.  As I gather up my 'goodies', enjoy these photos from my inspiration files:

These photos are from one of my favorite blog sites, Grits and Glamour.

I loved this mantel from Jo's This and That.

More from Grits and Glamour...

If you've never decorated for fall before, there are some wonderful (easy) places to start.  Why not begin with the fireplace mantel or your kitchen table?  Stores like Hobby Lobby, Michael's, and Home Goods have some wonderful decorative items that you can purchase inexpensively.  Or, depending on your location, simply step outside! Nature has already provided us with some wonderful accents--pinecones, berries, leaves, dried grasses, etc. 

 You don't have to spend a lot of money to bring "a touch of fall" into your home. Happy Decorating!!

Verse of the Day: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.  Ecclesiastes 3:1

Tips of the Week!

Have you ever rearranged your furniture, only to be left with those ugly carpet impressions of where the furniture used to be?  I've got a great tip for you: Place one or more ice cubes on the indentation and let them melt.  Come back later and fluff the fibers with your fingertips or the back of a spoon.  The carpet fibers will fluff right up, good as new!!

Also, if you've noticed that your granite countertops are starting to look a little dull, well, I've found a great product that will restore that showroom lustre in seconds! I was introduced to this product, while shopping in one of my favorite home decor shops.  It's called, "The Original Bee's Wax" furniture polish.  Yes, it's a furniture polish! However, it never leaves that oily residue that you get from most polishes.  It just leaves a clean shine on your granite countertops. If you can't find it in your local stores, it is available through many online vendors.  I love this stuff!! You will have to use it like a daily cleaner, to maintain that shine on frequently used areas...but, if you're like me, you may only use it when company's coming!! LOL!

A Fresh Approach

www.zgallerie.com

Whenever I am ready to give my home a fresh look, I venture no further than one of my all-time favorite shops...ZGallerie!!! 

ZGallerie is the ultimate in contemporary, innovative decor and accessories.  Just walking into the store, past the snazzy window displays, gets the creative juices flowing.  Once you step inside the stylish doors, it is easy to get captivated by the gorgeous vignettes.  The furniture and accessories complement everything, from a sophisticated suburban home, to a swanky uptown loft.

My daughters and I love stopping in the neighboring Starbucks, grabbing a Venti Passion Tea Lemonade, and spending time moving through the store's color-coordinated displays.  (I have been known to go home with more than an accessory or two!) 

If you are looking for unique, contemporary style to incorporate into your haven, stop by and pay them a visit!

Signs of Fall and Treasured Friendships

For me, one of the first signs that fall is fast approaching, is getting the kids back in school and meeting up with friends for lunch.  Today, the BFF and I had a wonderful lunch at Bonnie Ruth's French Bistro. The atmosphere was lovely, as they had all of the sliding doors open to the patio.  The warm sunshine and gentle breezes were the crowning touches!

http://www.bonnieruths.com/

There's nothing like sharing lunch and memories with your best girlfriend.  We have known each other since elementary school.  We grew up on the same street in Louisiana, attended the same church, were cheerleaders together, and stood up for one another, at our respective weddings.  We even had our firstborn children within 4 months of each other!  Now, we treasure the honor of being godparents to each other's children and residing in the same metroplex! Talk about history!  While I have a passion for decorating, this girl has got me beat! Her taste is impeccable; and it shows in her home. (Maybe, one day, I'll have pictures to share.)

Anyway, after our lunch, we decided to stroll through the shops at Watters Creek.  We made a stop into one of my favorite places, Sample House and Candle Shop.

www.samplehouseonline.com

When I start preparing for the fall season, one of the first things that I do is shop for the latest in autumn candles and fragrances.  Nothing sets the mood like nesting in your home, with the scents of the season...apples, cinnamon, cider, pumpkin, and woodsy scents that remind you of fall leaves. Even my teenage daughters look forward to scenting up their rooms, with their favorite candles, on the first day of fall!

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing more of my inspirations, for one of my favorite seasons of the year.  Take a look around and see what inspires you!

Quote of the Day: "A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same."
                                --Elbert Hubbard

Kitchen Decor

I am a true fan of the "Tuscan" style of decorating.  Notice the warmth that this kitchen exudes! I just love all of the accessories that make this room so inviting.  While very elegant, this kitchen has just a touch of country charm.


Verse of the Day: O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psalm 34:8

A New Beginning

After five years of children's event planning, I am elated to move into a new phase of my life.  I am excited to finally be able to live out my true passion! Interior decorating has been my obsession for many years.  I fondly remember constantly redecorating my bedroom and rearranging my parents' furniture...just because! I feel that God has blessed me with many gifts; and it is my desire that you embark upon this journey with me!  Hopefully, as we travel together, you will be motivated, inspired, and prompted to move into your own destiny! In the meantime, take a peek at what I have been doing for the past 5 years. Check out my website at www.allthingsimaginedevents.com Peace and Blessings!


Verse of the Day:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)