It's Monday

Since life is feeling a bit like this for me at the moment . . . 

via

I thought some eye candy was in order - just to get our week started on the right foot!  These are just a few of the images I've saved for some heart stoppin' goodness.   They are random rooms from many different sources; but each one makes me pause and sigh.  

via

via

via

via

via

via

via

Now get out there and seize your day! M.

Are you in the Spirit Yet?

I have hit the ground running this week.  In addition to my design projects, I am helping a few clients style their homes for the holidays.  We are working on fresh greenery for their entryways, mantels and even outside on their front doors.  Some are simple additions for their family's enjoyment while others are more elaborate decorations for hosting Christmas parties during the season.
For me, this type of thing is simply another form of styling the home, and I LOVE it. 

First up for the season, I was invited to participate in Christmas Count Down.  This is held every year at Covenant Presbyterian Church where lots of very talented people create Christmas displays for a ladies night full of ideas on how to decorate your home for the season.  My display was entitled "Entryways and Side boards" and was intended to give you ideas on how to make a great first impression as visitors enter your home during the holidays.  Here's the finished arrangement.

I took pictures of the entire process, and my plan is to show you step by step how to create one for your entryway. So stay tuned . . . I'll try to post it next week.

In the meantime, here are lots of the other displays at the event.
This cute table was entitled, "A few of our favorite things," and it included all kinds of handmade gifts (AND not a single cookie, which is just my thing!).  

This was such a cute idea - handmade mulling spices to make your home smell wonderful!

Yes, that is a daffodil bulb in a tin can!  Amazing how something that simple looks so great with the burlap, boxwood, and holly.  

Here's a spice rub for grilled meats.  Also love the wooden spoon on the container.

You could even take it a bit farther and put together a basket for the griller of the family.  This is really a simple gift in that all the items are easily available these days.

This is a basket for a "Game Night."  This would make a really cute Teacher's gift.  Sometimes this is just the thing to help someone pause and enjoy the season.

This was my favorite of the entire night.  It's entitled "12 days Ring & Run" and each gift is a "tongue & cheek" take on the 12 days of Christmas.   The idea here is to pick a special friend and each night starting on December 13th you drop off your gift without getting caught!  Here are few of the days.

The tag reads: "On the Fifth Day of Christmas, your true love gave to you . . .five golden rings, but sorry, we're too poor for golden rings, but will some golden pineapple rings do?"  

Some Ben Gay for the Lords of Leaping - they'll need it!

For an entire list, click here or use your imagination to come up with takes of your own.

This is the perfect gift for your children to give their classmates!  Simple red M&M's, in case, Rudolph needs an extra.  

Here are few others . . .

The entire night was very inspiring and the totally put me in the spirit (ok, I was already there, but it was still a ton of fun).

If you are still not quite in the spirit and live in the Birmingham area, here are two really special events to totally put you in the mood - Birmingham Home and Garden Inspiration Home and IPC Holiday House Tour.  We are so fortunate here in Birmingham to have such talented decorators and floral designers and both of these events are simply a feast for the eyes.  Grab a girl friend and make a date to check them out!!  Happy Weekend. M.

Design Perspective - Martha O'Hara

This is the beautiful work of Martha O'Hara and company.  While based in Minneapolis, Martha's firm is is a true mover and shaker in the design world with design projects coast to coast.  Here's a sampling of my favorites from their website.  

source

source

source

source

source

source

Love to see this kind of talent and range in decorating styles.  Have a good one! M.

DIY Lamp Knock Off

I have long admired these gorgeous lamps . . . 

source

I think a pair of them would be stunning on a buffet, console table or even as bedside lamps in a master bedroom.  But at $645.00 each, they are just not in the budget here at the Smith T house. 

So, here's my idea for a knock off of them.  I have not tried this, but the idea is so simple I am confident someone out there in Internet land has thought of this and actually completed the project.  If you are listening, please send me a picture and your thoughts!   

Take a pair of these at $20 each . . . 

source

Turn them upside down and add this (to what was the bottom but is now the top) using a glue specifically for bonding metal to glass . . .

source

Or, if you're just not up for a DIY project,  take the vase to a lamp shop, along with a picture of the original and ask them to do it for you. It really is a nominal fee compared to what you would pay for the original. 

Then add a tapered drum shade like this (along with a bulb clip) . . . 

source

And you've got yourself a very high end lamp for less!  M.

My Interior Design Website

I am so excited to share my brand new website with you!  As most of you know, I left my staging company here in Birmingham this past Spring to start my own interior design firm.  At the time, I decided to do a complete makeover of my blog and also had the talented Shari Miller of Little Blue Deer come up with a logo for my interior design business.  I wanted the two logos to compliment each other.

Since then, I have been busy working on lots of fun design projects for clients and just have not had the time to put together my design website.  So, last month, I decided I needed to pull it all together.  I found I was getting lots of emails and questions from potential clients on my rates and services.  So, now all this information is online for you to see.  As my business continues to grow and I find time to have my spaces photographed, I will continue to add to my portfolio.  I want to thank each and every one of you for continuing to support my business by reading my blog, sponsoring my blog and hiring me for design jobs.  I have met so many people, both design clients and bloggers in the virtual world, who have made my year one of the most interesting to date.  So from the heart, thank you!

If you have been thinking about interior design help, I hope you will take a look at my design services to see if we could be a fit for a project in your home!  Right now, I am scheduling work about two weeks out, so let me know if you are interested, and I will put you on the calendar! M.

Gifts for Neighbors and Friends

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, I think it's time to kick off the Christmas season with some gift ideas.  Every year, I try to create a unique handmade gift to give to neighbors, friends, and various teachers who have helped our family during the year.  Last year, we gave Rum Butter Sauce.

Although I love the idea of a baked goodie, it's just to difficult for me to pull off.  You have to bake them (consistently I might add - no burnt batches) AND deliver them quickly so they stay fresh.  Then, if someone's not home, you have to make a return trip to redeliver the item (I tried the "leave it at the door thing" one year and a neighbor's dog ate the entire gift)!

Now, if you are a baker and love the process, I am so happy for you.  But, if you are like me and need a foolproof gift, then read on!

Each year, I do a little brainstorming using recipe books, conversations with friends and, as of late, Pinterest searches.  I focus on keeping the recipe simple, but delicious or unique.  If you are curious about past year gifts read this - Christmas Gift Ideas.  Once I get the recipe and packaging idea, I come up with the label or tag.    

Then, I buy all the supplies and pick a weekend I know we will have time to really enjoy the process (i.e., not the same weekend you get your Christmas tree)!

I've also realized over the years, if you wait (and hope) to find the perfect container for your gift while shopping around town, you will never find it.  Things like this get picked over so quickly.  Instead, I always do this part online and then order them in bulk.  My favorite "go to" sources for the perfect packaging are Nashville Wraps, Container & Packaging Supply, and Specialty Bottle.   I always order my containers, ribbon and wrapping early in the season to make sure I will have them when I need them and each gift will seem special.  

Once I have all the supplies needed for the recipe and the packaging, my daughter and I put it all together.   

Since most of the people who receive our family gift also read my blog, I'm not going to spoil this year's gift idea - you'll just have to wait until next year!  But here are a few ideas I found while doing my research to get your wheels turning on the perfect gift from your family.  I would love to receive any of these gifts from freinds!

Sugar Scrub

This would be wonderful in the bath after a long day of Christmas shopping!

source

Bath Bon Bons

These would be so cute packaged in a clear cellophone bag with a green and red stripe ribbon bow and gift tag.

source

Lip Balm

I adore this idea.  You could actually package these in small pocket size tins and include one for each family member in a clear bag with a ribbon!  Here are the containers for this one - tins.

source

Vinegars, Marinades, Dressing & Sauces

There are endless recipes for this type of thing.  The key is to include some ideas on how to use it for the receiver. (i.e., spruce up your favorite salad or add a little kick when marinading that pork tenderloin)

source

Gourmet Syrups 

Again, tell your receiver how to use this one (maybe include a dessert recipe that works well with it).

source

Cocktail Mixers 

If you read my previous year's gift ideas, you know this kind of thing is my favorite to give.  I think it's fun to make a special drink during the holidays and a great mixer is the perfect way to encourage this!

source

Rein Beer!

Love this clever play on words! You could also make a a non-alcoholic version with root beer. 

source

Cocoa Mix

These are always fun to receive, but why not make yours a little different like this Mexican Cocoa.  

source

Cookie Mix

Not crazy about making the cookies for you, but I can put the mix together all day long!!  Also, I love how the layers this particular mix look in the jar. 

source

Sewing Project in a Jar

This one is not for everyone, but if you have friends who sew or who would like to, this apron in a jar is a fun idea.  My least favorite part is cutting out the fabric and with this one, that part is already done for you! 

source

Remember, coming up with the idea should also be part of the fun and enjoyment of making the gift. Now, let the festivities (and craziness) of the season begin!! Happy Monday. M.