Monday, November 30, 2009

Cyber Monday Deals!

Cyber Monday is just like Black Friday except that all of the deals and steals you will find are on-line! It is seen as the official kick off of the holiday on-line shopping season. Don't get left out! Join in the fun from the comfort of your home!
Many of the sales start officially at Midnight so if you are a night owl, like I am, then remember that the early bird gets the worm. I do lack some restraint when I shop in the middle of the night so remember to stay alert and refer to your list. Be like Santa...Make a list and check it twice!
Be sure to check for coupon codes while shopping. By typing coupon and the name of the website into your favorite search engine, you will often find great deal coupon codes for free shipping or a discount on orders over a certain price. Take advantage of them!
Remember to stay safe with your financial information. Set up an email address that is dedicated to on-line shopping and designate a certain credit card that you use for your on-line purchases. Be sure to be discriminating when entering security information. Never share your social security number on line and use different passwords for on-line shopping. Never give out your mother's maiden name either!
I will be looking for Children's books, toys, games and movies at 45% off from Barnes and Noble, a Flip video camera from Amazon.com with a $40 savings, and for fantastic stocking stuffers for my husband and my dad from Home Depot!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Black Friday Survival Guide!

Black Friday is exhilarating, money saving and an energetic transition into the Gift Giving season. However, if you don't have all your ducks in a row, it can be a really stressful day! To kick the gifting season off right, follow my Black Friday Survival Guide!
  • Parking difficulties can really get your day started off wrong. If you don't have a relative or friend who is willing to drop you off and pick up at the mall then this is a day when splurging on valet parking is well worth it!
  • Keep an gift file and take it with you on your shopping. Make a list of all of people you want to buy for, a few ideas of things they might like, and then leave space to write the things that you did purchase for them.
  • If you stuff stockings, keep your eyes peeled at the registers for great little treats that will delight on Christmas morning.
  • Plan your day at the mall by perusing the mall's website before you go. Make sure you are not trying to zip through your favorite shop while the Christmas puppet show is going on there and there are 100 families waiting around (can you tell I am speaking from experience?)!
  • Schedule time for a coffee break, lunch, and a few minutes to just sit and go over your list.
  • Dress comfortably!
  • Smile! You might end up on the local news coverage!
Where will I be? At the department stores!
  • At Macy's checking out the 50% off deals from Martha Stewart.
  • At Nordstrom for Ralph Lauren
  • At Dillards for DKNY

Monday, November 23, 2009

Gingerbread House Making Party

Gingerbread houses are always a fun and interactive holiday activity, so why not host a decorating party. Invite some of your friends over and tell them that you will provide the gingerbread and the icing, but they should bring their favorite candies or treats to decorate the houses.

You should probably build the houses the day before, so they can dry and won’t collapse. Make a couple of extra houses, just in case there is an accident. This will be much easier for your friends and they can just focus on decorating the houses.

To set the mood, light some holiday fragrance candles and play some festive Christmas music. Arrange stations for your friends to work at around your breakfast or dining room table to decorate their gingerbread houses. You will want to use a plastic tablecloth to cover your table, because the decorating process can get messy. At each station have plenty of icing and utensils to decorate the houses with.

You can also have prizes for your friends who have the most creatively decorated houses and you don't have to worry about providing a party favor because your guests can take home their newly decorated gingerbread house.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Christmas Shows

There are so many fun and entertaining ways to enjoy Christmas on Stage this year. Buy your tickets now for a fun filled family time!
-Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a fantastic and fun arena tour based on the 77 year old performance with the Rockettes. The show runs in Dallas from the 10th thru the 30th of December and tickets range from $10 to $91.
-The Dallas Children's Theater is presenting Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts Santa's Holiday for Strings with Santa, Frosty, dancing penguins, a singing armadillo and more. Kathy Burks' nationally celebrated troupe is back by popular demand from Nov. 20th thru December 22nd. Tickets start at $14. They are also presenting one of my favorite classics, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I love the Herdman family of "the worst kids in the history of the world" and their determination to be in the annual Christmas pageant. I know your family will love it too! Tickets start at $14 and the show runs from Nov. 20th thru Dec. 20th. Call 214-740-0051 for tickets.
-The line up at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra is fantastic once again! Check out their website for more details about the Ballroom with a Twist (Nov. 28th), Michael W. Smith's Christmas with the DSO (Nov. 30th to Dec. 1st), Christmas Pops (December 3-5), and their most popular concert Cheer: A Christmas Celebration (Dec. 10 to 20).

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Ways to create a festive centerpiece to decorate your Thanksgiving table

Using a Pumpkin as Your Vase
Here are some guidelines for using a pumpkin as your vase:
1) Cut off the top half of your pumpkin
2) Carve out and clean the center of your pumpkin
3) Place a vase in the center of the hollow pumpkin
4) Fill the vase with water
5) Arrange fall colored flowers to place in the vase
6) Make sure when cutting the flowers that they are tall enough to stick out over the top of the pumpkin and can still reach the water

Fill Glass Hurricanes with Candles and Acorns
Also add moss, pumpkins or gourds to fill in between the candles













Pinecone Place Card Holders

Pinecones can be great place card holders. You may have to dab a tiny drop of glue on the pinecone in order for the place card to stay upright. Write an adjective on the place card that describes what you are thankful for about that person.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Thanksgiving Reflections





If you are looking for a new way to set your Thanksgiving Table, consider finding inspiration in my Thanksgiving Reflections table in Tablescapes. I rented a square table and mirrored table top. I used regular gourds and spray painted them silver. I piled them up in the center of the table and accented them with red candles. The adorable turkey plates in black, white and red were a garage sale find and the red turkey tureens came from William Sonoma. I placed a journal and pen at everyone's seat to encourage them to reflect on the things that they were thankful for! I also made place cards out of simple reflective scrap-booking paper from Michael's. Send me photos of your Thanksgiving Tables. I can't wait to see what you create!
Happy Thanksgiving and I am so grateful to you for keeping up with my blog!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Slimmer Legs Now!

I have always been a bit self-conscious about my legs. They are one of those troubled spots that I can't seem to fix no matter how much I exercise! When I heard a world class stylist recommend an instant trick for slimmer legs I listened up right away! Here a few of her tips:
-Dark Leggings are lady's best friend! Tights are back and they are so slimming when they are in a dark color. This season, hunter green tights are all the rage and they could work for you as long as you get them in a dark green matte finish. Shiny tights can make your legs look bigger!
-The classic small fishnet can be very flattering. If you are wearing a tight skirt or dress, opt for a thigh-high version so that the pattern does not show through. I like to buy the inexpensive version as I have a tendency to tear mine often!
-The fishnets with a larger diamond design fool the eye and make you legs seem smaller in comparison. I like the "Tabea" by Wolford.
-A nude color open weave tight is genius if you buy it in a control top that will help you shrink your hips and thighs. The nude is a subtle way to wear this trend if the black is too much for you. I love the "Open Weave Tight End" by Spanx.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009



My quest to remember every birthday was improved upon this year when I enlisted the help of a few tools!
-I started out writing out all of my friends birthday's in a perpetual calendar. I like this Andy Warhol calendar for it's bright iconic images. It is great when I remember to look at it! It is certainly helpful to a certain extent and I continue to keep it up but this next tool was the key to keeping on top of these special days.
-Birthdayalarm.com is an easy to use website that will send you an email reminder for all of the special occasions that you want to commemorate. I set mine to send me a reminder ten days in advance and then again the day before. This way, I can send a card or gift and call! I like to enter my dates manually but there is also a tool to send your friends an email that will allow them to enter their birthday's automatically. Their e-card feature is really convenient but nothing beats a real card sent by snail-mail and a phone call.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Fashion Recycling




Here are a few trends to pull out of those dusty boxes in your closet and throw them on!

  1. Neon Clothing- 80’s---You can walk into American Apparel and see the various cotton neon t-shirts or shirt dresses that grace the racks. But unlike the 1980’s, you’re more likely to see these neon pieces as accessories under blazers, or with skinny black jeans and understated heels. The key is making the outfit pop with an understated edge.
  2. The MiniDress- 60-70’s---The minidress has a way of never leaving the fashion consciousness. This season, pair it with tights and flat shoes.
  3. Plaid: 1970’s & 90’s ---Young and old can pull this off. It is in all variations: button up shirts, tunics, dresses.
  4. Boyfriend Blazer: HELLO 80’S… looks great over a dress and gives a masculine feel. Roll the sleeves up if there is a lot of room and most of them have a cool lining to show off. Keep the blazer in a neutral...mostly seen in black and navy.
  5. Fur- No animal lovers, not the real thing. Back in the 70’s fur coats and vest were everywhere and they are BACK. Seen on Rachel Zoe and Kate Moss fur is attacking the streets. So pull our the fur coat or vest from the moth balls and strut yourself on the sidewalk.

Here are some trends you may want to put back into those boxes and save for another rainy day.

Next summer is all about a 90s revival: sportswear and grunge mixed with a massive shot of sex and glamour.

  1. Sports Wear/Cycling shorts- Set to be next summer's answer to leggings, the lycra knee-length short was seen on the most unlikely catwalks, Armani's showed them under a cocktail dress and Donna Karan had them worn under everything.
  2. Fanny Packs- Seen at Marc Jacobs, the pioneer of the 90s grunge movement. Worn slung low around the hips, they achieved an overall mood of sporty utilitarianism. Seen at Louis Vuitton as well. For a cheaper and more immediate version, hit American Apparel where they come in nylon and denim.
  3. Layers- With next season's sheer, floaty fabrics, we're being encouraged to layer up. Next season is said to be everything shear so most designers layerd T-shirts, vests, leggings and dresses.

Trends to throw away and never to be seen again.

  1. Phrase Graphic Tees: a graphic tee on a grown woman is an automatic fail. Stock up on your solids girls!
  2. Neon & Printed Stockings: You want to accentuate your legs not draw circus like attention to them.
  3. Lace: Lace gloves, lace shirts, lace dresses, cross them all off the list of trends you might’ve been hoping didn’t get the axe, this trend is dead.
  4. Uggs: Uggs are soft and warm in cold winters but, they aren’t waterproof in a snowstorm and definitely shouldn’t be worn in place of sandals with a miniskirt and tank top in the summer.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Paparazzi Posing!

It seems like there are cameras everywhere this time of year! There are parties with photographers, family and friends with cameras and, of course, it is also time to pose for the family Christmas card! I asked Steve Riley, former photographer of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Calendar, what I can do to look my best in each and every photo. Here are his tips:
-Practice finding your best side in the mirror at home or look at snapshots that you like of yourself. Movie Stars do it! Why can't you?
-Be sure to mattify your make up. Shiny, glossy and iridescent cosmetics are less flattering when digital cameras are around.
-Work on your captivating smile in the mirror. If it is hard for you, try this: breathe in and, just before the shot, breath out saying the word "yes" while smiling! This will create the look of a natural smile.
-Lean forward slightly at the waist and take the chin down. Event photographers always have their lights on high to prevent red-eye. This light creates shadows under the nose and chin but leaning forward and lowering your chin removes them.
-Attitude makes a difference. Have fun with the camera and pretend that you are on the red carpet at the Oscars vamping for you cheering fans.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Calling all Moms!


I am so impressed with all mothers who juggle it all! Work, kids, fun, exercise. I could not believe my ears when I heard that business owner, Nina Restieri, the Founder and President of momAgenda LLC, is a mother of 4! How does she have time for herself? She keeps organized with her products from momAgenda! The attractive products allow a mom to manage her own schedule and that of up to four children in one place with their unique week at a view layout. The calendars start with the new school year in August and many of them run for 17 months. The fun, feminine designs are practical and stylish and they were designed for moms and by moms. Right now all Desktops are 25% off so it is a great time to take get your hands on this life saver! I also love the down loadable lists and forms they offer on their website. Check out their holiday shopping, card and gift lists!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Holiday Travel Time!

I can't believe it but it is time to book your holiday travel if you haven't already! Did you know that the rates for flying during the holidays are 20% higher than normal? Crazy!
Here are a few quick tips for saving money on your holiday travel.
  • Consider using airfare tracking tools and signing up for fare change alerts at sites like FareCompare.com, Bing Travel, or Yapta.com.
  • Be flexible! If you have flexibility with your travel days, you are pretty much guaranteed savings. Avoid peak holiday travel dates, especially the day before or the day after a holiday. Use the search engines that feature a "flexible date" search which will search for the cheapest fares over a range of dates. Kayak.com, Orbitz.com and Travelocity.com all offer one.
  • Use an alternate airport if you can. Using a smaller alternate airport in the area you are flying to can really save you money. Even you need to drive a bit further, the smaller airports are often less crowded and easier to navigate.

The Dallas International Art, Antique & Jewelry Show

The inaugural Dallas International Art, Antique and Jewelry Show will take place Nov. 6th thru 9th at the Dallas Convention Center. It is a great place to learn, browse or even buy! For more information visit their website at www.dallasfallshow.com

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Hanging Pictures

I’ve been living in my house for 2 years now, and we still have pictures on the floor that have not been hung. It’s hard to decide what artwork goes where, how high it should be hung, and how not to have lots of unnecessary holes in your walls? I’ve looked into a few tips for how to hang artwork and hopefully this will also get me and my husband motivated to hanging those pictures that are lying around.

Things I’ll need before I begin:

Measuring tape

Pencil

Nails/ hooks

Hammer

Level

(All can be bought at Lowes or Elliot’s Hardware)

Decorator’s general rule of thumb is to hang artwork at eye level. The average human eye level is 57”. So the center point of the picture or grouping should be right at your eye level. Eye level is usually considered from the standing position, but if the majority of your time is spent being seated in a room, consider eye level from a seated position.

As for physically hanging pictures of the wall, I’ll need to look to the nearest home improvement store for hanging kits. I’ve found this Bob Vila Wall Picture Hanging tool kit that can be bought online at Overstock.com for $15. It includes everything I’ll need.

Nails are great because they are easy to install and are small enough that they won’t create large holes. Hammer nails into the wall at a 45-degree angle. Keep in mind your picture’s weight determines what size hook you will be using. Sometimes if your picture is very large, two nail-and-hooks will be needed

Choose smaller pictures for narrow walls and larger pictures for wider walls. When hanging art around furniture, make sure the pictures is not wider than the piece of furniture.

A level is great for making sure your photo is hanging parallel to the floor and not uneven.

Grouping pictures can be quite difficult. Choosing an odd number of artwork is best for balance. Lay them out before hand to get the right arrangement. Measure each piece of artwork and use tape on the wall to be a template for where each piece is going to be placed. This way you can play around with combinations until you find one that catches your eye. Use a measuring tape to make sure the distance between each piece is equal. You don’t want to upset the balance.

Lighting also plays an important role in enhancing your pictures. When a picture demands more attention, lighting should be used to enhance its beauty.

There is a new way to display your artwork called the Walker System. This new system makes it easy for you to rearrange your artwork and also have no more holes in your walls. Durable hooks attach to your molding to hang your pictures. www.walkerdisplay.com

Sometimes I worry about what happens if I put a picture up and don’t like where it is, ending up with an ugly unnecessary hole. Well to repair the holes myself, I can apply drywall compound over the surface of the hole, no more than 1/8 inch thick. Let it dry completely. Then scrape the surface smooth with a putty knife and apply a second coat. I’ll repeat the process until I’ve built up a compound a little higher than the wall surface. Lastly, I’ll sand the patch and blend into the wall. Voila!










$5.86 $15.31

Can be purchased at Lowes Home Improvement Store.

www.lowes.com


Monday, November 2, 2009

Picking the Perfect Paint Color

Got a new wall color in mind? Here are a few pointers to ensure the perfect paint color:
  • Consider the "mood" of the room. Certain colors evoke certain feelings.
-Yellow is cheery and warm. Some research says that it can increase your metabolism!
-Red is stimulating, strong and dramatic and it is associated with warmth, love and comfort
-Blue is calming and serene. It is often used in an office as research shows that it increases productivity.
-Green symbolizes nature and is thought to relieve stress and possibly increase your reading ability.
  • Use matte or flat finishes to hide imperfections but use a glossy finish when you need to reflect light. If you would like to bounce more light in the room but love flat finish walls, consider using a glossy finish on the ceiling.
  • To make your ceilings look higher, paint your trim and ceiling in a lighter tone of the same color.
 

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