Interior Alternatives

New Year, New Addition

2012-02-02T08:34:00.001-08:00

My New Year has been a whirlwind with a jam-packed January!! Lots of new and exciting things going on at Crossland Church as well as in the Farrell household! If our life wasn't already busy enough, we've added a new member to the family (nope, I'm not preggo!)

Meet Isabella. We will call her Izzy! She's an 8-week-old Jack Chi. I've been researching for a small dog for quite a while and I read about this breed. They're a cross with a Jack Russell and a Chihuahua. Both breeds are extremely smart, very playful, and easy to train plus she's not going to get very big!! Right now she weighs about 2 lbs and has the best smelling puppy breath!!

We are having so much fun with her but Fred & Lucy haven't decided if they're ready for all this excitement in the house!

Don't you just want to kiss her all over!!

Christmas Around the House Tour

2011-12-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

I can't believe this is Christmas Week~!! I know everyone has been extremely busy but my friend Liz, my daughter and I wanted to do a quick "Christmas Around the House Tour"!! So, be sure to head on over to see their beautiful homes as well~!!

I didn't pull out everything this year but did decorate a few rooms. I'll bring you in through the kitchen and take you right out the front door!!

Wishing you and your family the Love of Christ in your Heart and Home and a Very Merry Christmas!!

Now, moving into the Living Room...

and don't forget the Reason for the Season...

Wednesday's Word

2011-11-16T19:37:00.001-08:00

Jacquard:

A fabric with an intricately woven pattern.

Also called Jacquard weave. A fabric in which the design is incorporated into the weave instead of being printed or dyed on. This is one of my favorite patterns.

Here are a few pretty examples.

Tuesday's Tip: Don't throw away that receipt!

2011-11-15T12:22:00.001-08:00

How many times do you either not ask for a receipt or just throw it away without looking at it? Well, if you love Dunkin Donuts like I do, then you'll want to hold on to that receipt! At the bottom of every receipt, you can get a FREE donut by simply listening to a short survey (automated) about your visit. At the end of the survey, they'll give you a code to put on the receipt and your next donut is free!! I can't remember the last time I paid for a donut!! So, the next time you buy something at the drive-thru be sure to look at your receipt.. you'll never know what you're missing!

Tuesday's Tricks of the Trade

2011-11-08T12:16:00.001-08:00

Are you like me and feel like no matter how much you arrange and rearrange, there never seems to be enough room? (especially for all my magazines!) One quick and easy way to help with this is to add baskets.

Big rustic baskets add a handmade quality to a room while providing that extra storage. You can fill them with pillows, wood, books, blankets and yes, even all those magazines you just can't bear to part with!! You can find inexpensive ones at your local TJ Maxx, Marshall's, etc.

Here are a couple from Pottery Barn. Hope you make it a Terrific Tuesday!!

Wednesday's Word...

2011-10-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

Inlay

Inlay: Decorative patterns created with pieces of different woods or other materials, which have been set into the surface of wood furniture.

This is a picture of a Grecian Key pattern inlay design in hardwood in a foyer.

This is an example of a beautiful traditional inlay pattern on a piece of furniture. Stunning.

That's all for today folks...I'm off to paint my shutters on this beautiful Fall day. Tune in tomorrow for Thrifty Thursday and then hopefully I'll be back on my regular scheduled postings! Be on the lookout for a "Home Tour" coming soon!

Happy Fall Y'all!!

"Calorie Free" Saturday!

2011-08-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

Saturdays are the one day that we get to sleep in (at least until 7:00 am!). Our typical Saturday consists of waking up without an alarm (unless you count the phone ringing), having our first cup of coffee on the porch and we eat what we want, so we call it "Calorie Free" Saturday! Almost every week, I make a big batch of pancakes and I do have to admit, I make The Best pancakes!! Look for my Pancake Post coming soon! But today, I wanted something a little different. I didn't have much time but wanted something warm and sweet and Gregg absolutely loves Strawberries. So, I looked in the fridge to see what I had on hand. I found a can of Pillsbury Homestyle Butter Biscuits (why I have these, I do not know because we NEVer eat biscuits!) and started just playing around with a few ingredients and now have created what will for sure be one of our favorite "Calorie Free" Saturday breakfasts! I've named it:

Strawberry Stuffed Biscuits

You will need one can of biscuits of choice (or homemade). Place on pan and before putting in oven, dot each biscuit with butter and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar

on top of each biscuit. Bake according to directions.

While hot, split open each biscuit and place 1 tsp cream cheese (plain or Strawberry)

and 1 tsp of Strawberry jam.

This is my mother's homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam that is Fabulous!

Top with Strawberry Syrup and Whipped Cream.

Eat while still hot! The filling gets all melted together and it's so YUMMY!

and did I mention...

it's "Calorie Free"!!

Have a Great Weekend!

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-08-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

Don't have a lot of time today but wanted to share this quick, "thrifty" idea...
I have had these canisters for a couple of years and didn't "love-love" them if you know what I mean!! But, didn't really want to invest in a new set either. I do like the bright crisp white color of them but thought they needed a little something else.

I have black and white curtains and accessories in my kitchen so I decided to stay with that theme. My friend Christy got a handy-dandy Cricut for her birthday. These things are FABulous!! I ran over to her house and had her cut out the numbers 1-5 in a nice clean Times New Roman font...

Now I LOVE-LOVE my canisters!!! So, for the price of a sheet of sticky black paper I have totally changed (and updated) the look of my canisters without going out a buying a new set. If you don't own one of these fancy-dancy machines (I do not..but am asking Santa for one for Christmas)you can stencil your own image or just buy letters or numbers in the scrapbook section at your favorite craft store!!

FUNday Monday~!!

2011-08-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

I didn't used to enjoy "Mondays" very much. It meant the start of a long stressful week at work but now that I am a full-time Home Manager, I look forward to Mondays! I love sitting down, planning my week of things to do to get my house in order and I decided to add a little "twist" and start each week with a quick, fun creative task.

This week I wanted something new for my front door. I have had a huge metal yellow butterfly on my front door since the Spring and it was time for a change. Gardens are overflowing right now with beautiful, colorful fresh flowers and it's a shame to only have them in a vase inside. My mother gave me this beautiful flat basket so I hung it on the door with a ribbon and suction cup; added a small plastic container of water and filled with fresh flowers!! Remember to replace faded flowers with fresh ones when needed.

Make it a FUN Monday friends!!

Wednesday's Word...

2011-07-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Highboy

noun

A tall chest of drawers raised up on high legs, beginning with the simpler William and Mary style of the late 17th century, culminating in the late baroque 18th century Queen Anne style, progressing into the early Georgian style, with an ornate top and extensive carvings; sometimes called a w:Tallboy, tallboy. American examples are highly prized by collectors.

During the Queen Anne period in America, the highboy attained its characteristic form. ... The cabriole leg was a distinctive feature developed in the Queen Anne period; its shape repeats the S-curve that dominated all Queen Anne design. "

This is the traditional Queen Anne style that you will find in most furniture stores and consignment shops.

This is the same one painted a beautiful yellow from a great blog, Hi Sugarplum I think it gives it a more updated modern look!

Thrifty Thursday....

2011-06-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post but things have been a little hectic in the Farrell Household the past few months...

Our youngest daughter was married at the beach in Destin last month so we have gained a son-in-law!! So, needless to say, I have been consumed with all the wedding planning ...a post on the wedding to come soon.

Now for my Thrifty Thursday finds..

Since I have "retired" my "9-5" job, I get to spend more time doing the things that I really love to do, such as spending time with my family and finding great deals like these. I spent the day today with my other daughter, Amanda, in Nashville and she is a great bargain hunter too!! We didn't have very much time to shop so we stopped at the local GW down the street from her house. Green is my fav color so my eye naturally spots things that color!!
Today, things with a yellow tag were half price so most of my finds were $2.00 or less!

I have been looking for a place to put our mail and keys and was planning a trip to Hobby Lobby but was so happy to find this for $1.99!! I am planning on paining this black and adding some labels to the slots and putting it in my "mudroom"..

This cute little basket was only $2.99! It really doesn't need a thing done to it but I am thinking about either staining it a darker color or painting the top with chalkboard paint..

This cool piece of fabric is really a valance that I snagged for $1.00. I have the same color pillows on my chairs on screen porch and needed another one for my couch..add some trim and it's done..

This is the coolest vintage terry towel from Sears with the original tag still on it. I love how it is reversible so I decided to split it in half and give half to Amanda and we are going to add fabric and make a funky little apron..

Watch for the "after" pictures on all of my Thrifty Thursday finds soon~!!

Friday Fashion Fun: I'm In the Mood for Love...

2011-02-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

1.Kate Spade 2.H&M vest 3. Ralph Lauren Belt 4. Stella & Dot studs 5. J. Crew pants 6. J. Crew shirt 7.Ann Taylor 8. Michael Kors 9. Loubs 10. Cool Pin

Honey, you can buy me any of these...

Tuesday's Tip

2011-01-18T15:04:00.000-08:00

I love dishes!! I have at least 5 different sets and I use them all. I mix and match the cups, plates, and saucers with different patterns. During this time of the year when it still gets dark early and it's cold outside, I like to add a punch of color to my walls!!

This is an expensive and easy way to change your decor or to do something with that long or odd-shaped wall in any room of your house..don't be afraid to use plates in other rooms!!

Pick out some funky or colorful plates and saucers in your cabinets (mix patterns and colors). If you don't have enough to make a design like the one above, run over to Goodwill or Salvation Army and you will be amazed at what you can find for as little as 25 to 50 cents!!

Measure the wall that you want the plates on to find the center. Start with the largest plate/saucer and then space them on the wall in curved or S-shaped pattern using plate hooks.

You're done. New look for little to no money!!

Post your pictures on my Facebook Page!!

Wednesday's Word

2011-01-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Well, It's time to get back to the Swing of Things and I really have missed posting~!! So I will pick up where we left off with our Word for the Week

Gilding

This is a paint effect and is essentially the application of a gold finish. It can be achieved by applying gold leaf, or by using metallic powders. You see this typically on picture frames but it also can be done on almost any object. It also comes in a Silver leaf as well. You can purchase the material for this project at any craft store.

Now, look for that "not so pretty" picture frame you have in the garage or craft room and head on over to JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby or even Wal-Mart, get your materials and do some Gilding..~!!

Fun Friday

2010-12-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

First of all, sorry for staying away for so long..my mind was on our vacation here. Then we had to come back to reality and back to work! I've been catching up on things for my "real job" but I sure have missed blogging!

So, we are down to the last 15 days before Christmas and if you're like me, there are always last minute gifts to buy. My daughter and I always have the big idea that we are going to make all of our Christmas presents. She usually does what she says and I always just have big ideas and never seem to get around to doing everything I want! But, I found a few cute little presents you could throw together and give as a hostess gift, teacher's gift or your neighbor for that matter!

This sweet wreath is a snap to make. Using hot glue, attach unwrapped candy canes to a foam wreath form until the form is completely covered. Glue red Christmas baubles around the wreath in a balanced arrangement. Finish the wreath with a tone-on-tone bow.

Or this cute one..

Purchase a bag of cookie cutters for a few dollars and turn them into a clever Christmas wreath. Hobby Lobby has all of them half price right now. Form the shapes into a circle, then wire the pieces together. Attach a pretty bow with hot glue and hang the wreath from a nail!

Have a Very Fun Friday!!

Wednesday's Word...

2010-11-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

Fleur de Lis

(pronounced “fleur-duh-lees” )

I have always loved this symbol. (I even have it in my logo~!!) It is one of the most recognized symbols across the world. Representing either a lily or an iris, traditionally, it has been used to represent French Royalty, and it is said to signify perfection, light, and life. The Roman Catholic Church ascribed the lily as the special emblem of the Virgin Mary. Due to its three petals, the Fleur de lis has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity.

Representing elegance and class, this enduring emblem has been used as a decorative element on everything from clothing, jewelry, home decor and most notably as the symbol for the Saints. The New Orleans Saints have had the Fleur de lis Emblem on their uniform since 1967. The black Fleur de lis outlined in white was a symbol placed on the helmet at the inception of the franchise. Interestingly, Louisville Kentucky has also adopted the noble Iris or Lily Flower as it's own symbol.

While the Fleur de lis has appeared on countless European Coats of Arms and flags over the centuries, it is particularly associated with the French monarchy. It remains an enduring symbol there and even appears on French stamps~! According to French historians, the three leaves represent the medieval social classes: those who worked, those who fought and those who prayed. Very interesting.

Wednesday's Word...

2010-10-27T13:27:00.001-07:00

étagère

(pronounced "ett-u-ghay")

Crafted from wood or metal and consisting of at least three shelves, the étagère will be at home in any room of your house, from the kitchen to the bath.

Try one in the kitchen to hold spices or cookbooks. Maybe one in the dining room with your antique china and a potted plant or two is just what you need to warm up the space? Or maybe in the corner of the living room with a few books and other treasures, your étagère will complete the space with a little French flair. Try one in the bedroom to hold sweaters or jewelry alongside your vanity. One in the bathroom for your favorite bath salts and bubbles supplies elegant storage for a small space. The uses of etageres are endless and the great thing is that no matter where you put them they'll fit right in with a polished grace.

The étagère was very popular in France and England in the late 1800's. This highly decorative piece of furniture was and is not only functional but stylish as well. An étagère offers a graceful and elegant way to show off and store books and other treasures.

I have one in our living room that is filled with everything from antique books to baby pictures, special cards that my daughters made me, and even glassware- all in one piece of furniture. This is a versatile piece of furniture that I would recommend investing in.

The one pictured above is on my list to purchase because I already have the credenza that matches it!!

Thrifty Thursday~!!!

2010-10-21T12:56:00.001-07:00

I am in Love with all the "Owl Craze" and

I especially like glossy, white things...

So, I found this cute little Owl for my Fall decorations at one of my

Favorite Stores..

Z Gallerie.

Price $14.99 (which isn't a bad price).

I didn't get it..

So, on the way home from Nashville, I stopped at my local

GW Store

and found this one..

for $1.25

Then, I went to Lowe's and bought a Glossy White can of Spray Paint

for 0.98 cents

and made this...

For $2.23 + tax.

Not bad for a day's work.

Thrifty Thursday~!! Finding a good..

2010-10-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

Mirror.

Another thing I L-O-V-E

and have lots of is...

~ Mirrors ~

I guess you've figured out by now, I like lots of things...and my house

and my garage,

is full of

s-t-u-f-f

that I

L-O-V-E

and can't live without!

One of the popular items that can gracefully beautify a home are mirrors. These can add style to your home while being functional. They also can be used in every room in your house!

Another thing I love is finding a good bargain (and justifies getting one in every color, right?) and one place I go to regularly is Target. They have so many pretty things and I have to be totally focused on what I'm going in there for or I get lost for hours, perusing up and down every single aisle...so for now we will focus on their mirrors! I especially love the Starburst Mirrors. They're showing up everywhere and are in all the magazines and catalogs.

Here's one from Crate and Barrel for $299

and one just like it at Target for $79.99!!!

That's a $219.01 savings..which one will you choose??

Wednesday's Word..

2010-10-13T12:41:00.001-07:00

Another one of my favorite things...Damask (pronounced dam - uh sk)

The word, interestingly, derives its name from fine patterned fabrics produced in Damascus (Syria) in the Euroopean Middle Ages. Damask was originally wholly of silk but gradually the name came to be applied to a certain type of patterned fabric, regardless of fiber. Damask wallpaper was once reserved for formal dining rooms or other formal rooms in the home.

This beautiful pattern is also used on furniture, textiles, dishes, bedding, pencils, purses in all different colors.

This is one of my favorite patterns. I have it all over the place...on pens, on my planner, my calendar, my storage boxes, etc.

Here are some pretty black and white things...

Tuesday's Tip- Displaying Your Collections

2010-10-12T13:14:00.002-07:00

Collecting is a natural extension of individuals and the things they love and it really expresses your personality. A small group of any item can be a collection. Objects do not have to be expensive. You may not even be aware that you are a collector! I collect lots of things..vintage leather books, vintage typewriters, vintage postcards, milk glass, old silverware. I love vignettes of pretty things!! It's a shame to keep the things out of sight that make you happy when you look at them~!

Here are few tips for displaying your collections on shelves, walls, etc. I'll do a separate post soon about Holiday Displays!

For Shelves:

For the most part, scale objects from largest to smallest, from back to front.
Maintain a cohesive look by using a theme- either similar items of shape or color.
Windowsills can double as shelves.
Add a few items of interest in as well.

On Walls:

A fluid display can be created by combining round plates and square prints, with a similar theme, in a repeating pattern.
Display small items on top of pictures and door frames such as architectural elements, keys, etc.
Look for unused walls in your home such as the staircase or hallway to display family photos, plates or mirrors.

*ADD ACCENTS TO DISPLAYS FOR BALANCE AND INTEREST*

Other Ideas for Displaying Collectibles:

Use a contrasting backdrop to accentuate objects displayed.
Fill a large glass container with glass ornaments combined with rocks, shells, or other elements from nature.
Place a mirror on a flat surface. Then combine a candle garden (a group of candles of different diameters and heights).
A wagon or baby buggy are creative items to display collections in.
A very small plate, on a stand, can adore one side of a pedestal sink. Reserve the space on the opposite side for a decorative soap, or soap dish.
Display vintage clothing on a dressmaker’s stand, or use a hanger to suspend apparel from the stem of a wall sconce. A hat on top of the stand finishes the appearance.
In a kitchen: a hutch, a baker’s rack, or a desk with shelving above.
Fireplace mantels are always an obvious location to arrange a display.
In a room with limited space, place a console table against a wall, position a sofa in front of it, and display a collection on the shelf you’ve created behind.
Use an armoire, with the doors left open. In addition to placing items on the shelves of the armoire and a Secretary’s desk makes a fine display case in a living room, family room or study.

Here are a few pictures of pretty collections..

Fall Friday- Fireplaces...

2010-10-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

We have an area in our backyard where I am dying to do something like this....

Fireplaces this size are pretty expensive, so I would settle for one of these...

Have a Great Fall Friday~!!

Wednesday's Word

2010-10-06T12:02:00.001-07:00

If you are just now joining me, I am going through the ABC's of Design Terms. Each Wednesday I will post a new design term and this week we are on the letter "C".

Last week we talked about one of my favorites, the "Barcelona Chair" and I'm very excited about this week's post as it is one of my favorites too!

So let's not wait any longer to get a good look at this beauty...

~The Chesterfield Sofa~

The Chesterfield sofa conjures images of formally attired gentlemen sequestered in a dark paneled study, sipping brandy and smoking cigars. Throughout history the Chesterfield sofa has come to represent many things to different people. The Victorian era saw the Chesterfield as the key piece in living rooms, where gentlemen relaxed while their wives sat in chairs crafting needlepoint. Throughout the years, Chesterfield sofas have graced the palaces of royalty, prominent business offices, hotels, restaurants, gentleman's clubs and luxurious private homes.

Today the Chesterfield is synonymous with elegance and class in interiors all over the world, of every architectural and decorating style. Regardless of what it represents to many, the Chesterfield steadfastly remains the sofa that embodies the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. It's a classic and worth the investment.

Here are a few more in other pretty colors..

Gray

Cream

White

Turquoise

and this one from Restoration Hardware...I want my room to look just like this...

It's a Fall Friday...

2010-10-01T10:53:00.001-07:00

To find out about this week's Thrifty Thursday find, click on my Interior Alternatives Facebook Page to become a fan! I'm shooting for 100 Fans!!

But for today, it's a fabulous Fall Friday and it's sooo beautiful outside!~! It's supposed to be a gorgeous weekend and mine starts now...

so I'm off to see...

here...

So, everyone have a GREAT weekend!!

Wednesday's Word..Barcelona Chair

2010-09-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I also have a minor obsession with furniture, especially chairs!! Sometimes I hyperventilate when I see pieces I love in stores and I just have to turn around, walk out...breathe... and then walk back in. Also, it seems like everything I like is super expensive! Put me in a room full of stuff without price tags and I'll somehow pick out the most expensive things, but I think it just means I have to be more creative to get the look I want. That's what so unique about my business, Interior Alternatives. You get the look want without the high price tag. We will talk about that in another post...

One of my all time favorites is the Barcelona Chair. If you find an original, it will cost a fortune but the look is unmistakable! It was designed by Luwig Mies Van der Rohe and his long time partner and companion Lilly Reich. Luwig Mies van der Rohe worked for Peter Behrens in his architectural firm. He was one of the most influential architects to design furniture. In 1926 he produced one of the first tubular steel framed cantilever chairs. Interestingly, for the International Exposition in Barcelona, 1929, he designed the German pavilion. He moved to USA and became the Dean of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Here are some really beautiful ones I'm crazy about... maybe one day they'll share a life with me.

Tuesday's Tip..Lamp shades

2010-09-28T12:45:00.001-07:00

Today I want to talk about lamps. I am addicted to lamps!! I love them..I could eat them! I have at least 30 lamps in my house. I have 8 in my living room...and I must have this cute little thing from Target!! I know I can find a spot for it, somewhere...??

Anyway, not every lamp that you find or purchase comes with a shade and sometimes it seems that you find the perfect lamp but cannot locate the perfect shade. So, when shopping for a shade to match your lamp, there are a few tips you need to keep in mind.

Match the Base - Think size, shape, style, and color. Larger lamp bases require larger shades. Square bases may look better with a square shade but your goal is to match the “mood” of the base. Or if you want to mix up a style, purposefully put a modern round or square shade with a traditional or antique lamp base.

Compliment the Base - A shade should make the base look better without competing with it for attention. Decide what you want your lamp to be in the room...an accessory or a main focal piece. If your base is really unique, choose a simple shade to draw attention to the special features of the lamp. Or, if your base is plain and simple, choose a patterned, painted, or leather (textured) shade to add some flare to your lamp. Target has some really cool lamps shades to choose from to accent plain lamps.

Hide the Switch - Your shade should just barely cover the switch. Try different sized harps or add a shade riser to fine-tune your shade fit.

Sizing Rules of Thumb- - Shade height should be about 3/4 the height of the base. - The bottom of the shade should be wider than the widest part of the base. - Shade width should approximately equal the height from bottom of base to socket.

Consider the Use - Reading lamps need a wider shade to provide plenty of light. Smaller, darker, or shades made of less transparent material are better for mood lighting.

Consider the Bulb - Be sure you have 3 inches of separation from bulb to shade, especially for higher wattage bulbs. Be sure the top opening is wide enough to vent the heat. Compact fluorescent bulbs are great for most lamps because they burn cooler, but you may need larger harp since CFL's are taller than standard light bulbs.

Here are some really cool lamp shades of proper size and shape for their bases:

I hope this helps you on your next buying trip for beautiful lamps!!

Thrifty Thursday!!

2010-09-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

No one loves the thrill of a great deal more than me!! (just ask my friend Kim about our recent trip to Talbot's Outlet!!) so, on Thursday's I'll be posting some of my great finds, whether it's fashion, furniture or food. Also, if you have a great deal to share, please let me know in the comments section!!

One of my favorite catalogs is Ballard Designs. I get lots of great ideas and their room layouts are wonderful, but most of the things I like are a little pricey!!

I just got their late Summer catalog and saw this cute little Garden Bench that would look great on my screen porch.

The price listed for this cute little thing is...$139.00!! So, on a recent shopping trip to one of my favorite stores, Big Lots, I found this for... (drum roll please...)

$5.00!!!!!! I was so excited!! They have it categorized as "garden" so right now everything is 75% off~! Even at full price, that's over $100 less than the Ballard Design cost~!

Right now is the time to stock up on items like this that can actually be used year-round. So hurry into your local Big Lots, Trees & Trends, Hobby Lobby or even Lowe's and Home Depot to grab these great deals~!

Happy Hunting!!

Wednesday's Word...

2010-09-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

Interior Decorating is a wonderful and exciting career (and hobby for that matter) but there are just so many things to remember, it's like learning a new language! So, I thought I would start a weekly post defining some of those terms. Might as well start at the beginning with the letter "A"...

So, Today's Word is..Acanthus Leaf!
The official definition is a thick scalloped leaf and it has been used since classical times, the most recognisable form is on top of columns. It is also used in architectural moldings and as a decorative form on furniture, lamps, shelves, etc. I actually have a shelf with Acanthus leaves..see below.

Here is another example of the Acanthus Leaf being used on a sconce..

Going for It...

2010-09-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been ab-so-lutely too long since I've posted, so I decided to quit thinking about it, and actually do something about it. For an even added pressure, I created a Facebook page for my business, Interior Alternatives (hence the blog name!). I promise to keep both updated with pictures, ideas, tips and even discussion boards!! So, can I ask a favor and have you hop on over to FB and click on the "like" button for Interior Alternatives!! Thank you~!

Create a Detachable Flower Embellishment - Threads

2010-07-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Create a Detachable Flower Embellishment - Threads

Favorite Time of Year

2009-10-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

It's been wayyyy tooo long since I've had time to write! Lots of things going on in my life and world right now but thinking about Fall makes me happy. It actually makes me want to sit on the porch and drink a cup of coffee and just relax...

I just love Fall decorating! I have a ladder similar to this one and I think I'm going to do this on my back porch....I will post pictures of the finished product soon..

Birthday Time

2009-07-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Gregg and Amanda's birthdays are both in June so we decided to all celebrate together this year at one of our favorite restaurants...Maggiano's. The food was fabulous but even more enjoyable was being able to spend time together. Rachel and Brad got to join us as well!

The Finished Project-IXOYE

2009-06-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

Awesome~! Just what he wanted. It is a fish symbol with the Greek letters IXOYE meaning Jesus Christ God's Son and Savior. He had to keep it out of the sun and water for two weeks and let the redness and swelling go down. We are well past that stage now and it looks really cool....just like my HOT hunky husband!!

The Preparation

2009-06-30T14:12:00.001-07:00

He wanted something unique so he told the artist the things he wanted in his tattoo. He took the information - told us to go have lunch (we ate at the Trailer Park Cafe down the street which is awesome!!) and it took him about an hour to draw it out on paper for Gregg to approve. I think I was more excited than he was! It took about an hour and a half for him to "tattoo" it on...

Our "Nash-Vegas" Anniversary stay

2009-06-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Gregg bought us James Taylor tickets for our anniversary and we spent the night at a wonderful hotel. The next day was beautiful and was perfect weather for strolling the streets of downtown Nashville...we walked by one place that has been on his mind for years...Billy Joe's Tattoo and Piercing. He is a Christian tattoo artist as well as his employees. Gregg has wanted to get a tattoo for years and we decided that was the perfect day to get one!

A 15 year Companion

2009-05-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad I posted those great pictures of Miss Kitty. Those sunny days were the last few days she felt good. Miss Kitty passed away this past Thursday. Last Monday, she developed a blood clot in her aorta (which runs down a cat's back, oddly). When I first saw her I thought she had broken her leg jumping from something because when she got up, she flopped right back down. She always liked to climb up on the back of the couch or chair and then get in some little secluded spot and sleep all day. Then as she started to move closer to me, she would drag the back part of her body. Gregg graciously took her to our vet, Stan Snodgrass, who has been Miss Kitty's vet for 12 years. Stan said this condition is common in older cats and sometimes they get better, but more likely they do not. He gave her a steroid shot and some oral medications and she seemed to get somewhat better on Tuesday. By the end of the week, she could not even move her body at all. It was a very sad day. She was a great cat and had a personality like no other. I swear she could understand what we were saying. She loved my husband, Gregg, the most. She slept on his chest almost every night and would lick his nose before she went to sleep. Fifteen years is a long time to have a pet- they are surely a part of your family at that point. I really thought we would have her for a few more years. We will miss you, Miss Kitty.

2009-05-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

I even got Miss Kitty some catnip!! It looks and smells like regular mint (which I also will be planting) but cats absolutely go crazy for it!! It's amazing how quick she found it!! They sniff it, eat it and like to rub on it and then she goes crazy!!

2009-05-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

These are my healthy little herbs that are waiting to be planted! Parsley, Oregano, Rosemary, Basil, Sage and Lavendar.

Lilac Bush

2009-05-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

This will grow into a nice little tree and smells wonderful~!

Planting Time

2009-05-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

This is my planting bed for my herbs...I already have sage coming up from last year. I planted Rosemary that will climb up my topiaries. This is the flagstone patio that my husband made for me last Summer...Harley's head is in the left corner hiding the rest of the stones!!

Happy Anniversary

2009-05-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Another picture

2009-04-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

This is my buffet...it was actually a dresser that I got at the GW for $10 and I attached legs to make it taller- stained it espresso and changed the knobs. I put it in my kitchen and it fits perfectly!

Spring Time

2009-04-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

I think Spring is my favorite time of the year! See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come..." Song of Sol. 2:11-12...what a lovely verse...

This is a picture of my table still decorated for Easter but I'm going to continue to use it through May and maybe change some things around....I just love all the Spring decorations!!

Spring Decorating

2009-03-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

I love to decorate for Spring....I think I'm going to make these...I already have the vases- just need to buy the eggs.

First Post

2009-03-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

I've had this blog since October of '07 and can't believe I'm just now starting my first post! I'm still trying to design my blog template so it will be pretty boring until I get everything in place and I know how to actually maintain the blog! I have enlisted help from my blogging guru daughter Amanda.