Texture, Texture, Texture

Orchid Arrangement

Hi Guys,

Several years ago when we decided to adopt our sweet little Papillons, I wasn't aware that they would shed so much. Little by little we replaced our fabric furniture with all leather. We also got rid of all our throw and room sized rugs.

Textured Throw

Throw on Leather Chair

Chenille Throw 

Very Textured Throw Pillow 

Chenille Throw on Sofa

Although easy to keep clean, our living space looked very cold and bare. What I needed was some texture to bring our spaces to life. I chose inexpensive throws and textural pillows to spread around the space. The dogs love them, I love them, the room looks warmer, and, best of all, everything can go into the washing machine and dryer. I have the best of both worlds.

Flowers also add texture to a room, so don't forget to put a bouquet or plant in every room.

So if your rooms seem a little cold and bare, add some texture.

That's my tip for today.

b

Zippy on Throw Pillow in Family Room

Decorating the Mantel Part 2

Finished Mantel

Hi Guys,

With the help of my son, the mantel is finished. I used a decorative plate/vase from the kitchen to put on one end. I tried putting the identical plate/vase on the other end, but it was too symmetrical, and I didn't like it. I then tried putting my live orchid plant up there and it was all right, but nothing exciting. I then got the idea of putting one of my Murano vases up there and filled it with three different kinds of orchids.

Too Symmetrical

Instead of the picture, we bought a line of music in rustic gold. It doesn't show up very well, so I will spray paint it silver.

The candles in the center are on a timer. They light up at night and give the room a wonderful ambiance.

Live Orchid Plant

Try changing your mantel decorations. It will make your room seem new and special this winter.

That's my tip for today.

b

Orchid Arrangement in Murano Glass Vase

Decorating the Mantel

My Christmas Mantel

Hi guys,

Well, the Holidays are over and it's time to put the Christmas decorations away. I am now pondering what I want to do with my family room mantel.

For several years I have decorated it with orchids and candles. Although it is beautiful, I would like to do something different this winter.

This is the way I usually decorate the mantel.

I will give it some thought and show you the results.

My tip for today is to do something different with your mantel to freshen up your room. If you don't have a mantel, add new pillows to your sofa, buy a beautiful new throw, buy a new vase and fill it with beautiful flowers, real or faux, or just rearrange your furniture. It can be as simple as that.

b

Additional Blog Location

Hi Guys,

In addition to this blogspot, I will be putting my decorating tips...all that I love and all that I am...on my Pinterest Boards: www.pinterest.com. I have a vast array of places, spaces, foods, animals...everything that I love at my fingertips there.

Please ask me for an invitation at: BasiaAnn@aol.com

Pinterest is FREE.

Any questions and comments can be sent to me at the above email address.

Please check it out. You may even want to start your own Pinning.

That's my tip for today.

b

Let Your Walls Tell a Story

My Mother's Antique Mirror

Hi Guys,

When you go looking for something to hang on your walls, look for something that has meaning to you, tells a story, or evokes a special memory.

This is a crewel embroidery picture I spent months making.

I have crewel and cross stitch pictures that my relatives and I have made and framed over the years.

When my son was in high school, he painted a beautiful water color picture. I can still remember him working on it. I hung it above the bed in the guest room so our guests can admire it.

This is the beautiful water color painted my son made in high school.

An antique mirror hangs in the front hall. I remember that mirror from my childhood. Mom had it in her house in Iowa, and it moved out here with her. When she passed away, it became mine.

My sons and husband are all wonderful photographers. I loved so many of their photos that I had to put up photo shelves to hold them all. I change them out often so I have different ones to admire. Each one has a special meaning to me.

My son took this picture of an old abandoned house.

I will try to relate their stories in their captions.

This is the path to the right of the above house.

My son photographed this dragon fly, then made some origami dragonflies to hang next to it.

When decorating your walls, try to choose something that tells a story. Buy a shadow box if you want to display baby clothes or shoes, or special items that you have collected and have sentimental value. Frame photographs or needle work. Hang quilts. Whatever it is, it should be something that makes you smile.

That's my tip for today.              

b

A photo that my husband took of our instruments.

My husband and I made several CD's over the past few years. We framed the covers and hung them in the music room.

Small family photos displayed on a sofa table in our living room

Flowers Blooming Around My House

Geraniums and Vinca Vine

Hi Guys,

Lilli

It's been a while since I last talked to you. We have a new member of the family. She is a Papillon/Chihuahua mix, and her name is Lilli. She is almost three months old and won't get any larger than four pounds. Gracie and Zippy are warming up to her, but she keeps everybody hopping.

Black and White Throw Pillow

I purchased some new throw pillows this summer for my family room. They are very contemporary black and white striped which fits in perfectly with the gray walls and red sofa.

Orange Day Lilies

Pansies on the Tea Cart

Double Day Lily

Echinacea

Our garden is in full bloom. I've included pictures of the hostas, lilies, pansies, geraniums, and honeysuckle that are in bloom. I am so fortunate to have a large yard and plenty of help with my plantings from my son and husband.

Lilies and Hostas in the Shade Garden

Variegated Hosta in Shade Garden 

Mandevilla on the Deck

Back yard lilies in the Morning Sun

Black Eyed Susans

Honeysuckle 

Day Lilies

Please enjoy the photos and maybe you will get some ideas for plantings in your own yard.

That's my tip for today.

Lily Garden

b

Keeping Organized

My Closet

Hi Guys,

I ordered some new summer tops and when they arrived today, I realized I didn't have any hangers to hang them on. I completely forgot about my rule...when I buy something new, something old has to go to a charity. So today I am going to clean out my closets and my drawers to make room for my new things. Following this rule gives deserving people gently used clothing and shoes, plus provides much needed hangers for my new purchases.

This rule not only applies to clothing and shoes, but to furniture. If your home seems crammed full of furniture, perhaps you can donate a chair, table, sofa, or anything that is just sitting there that no one uses anymore. There are a lot of organizations that will take your gently used clothing and furniture--some even have a home pick-up service.

If you feel like you want to sell your things instead of donating them, have a garage sale, try to sell them on Ebay, or put an ad in your local paper.

Whether you decide to donate or sell your items, get them out of your house and keep it organized--Don't be a pack-rat!

Two Full Drawers

Well, I'd better get started clearing out my closets and drawers.

That's my tip for today.

b