Decorating Tips And Tricks

Oh yes indeedy ~ we have some hot crushes right now ~ on decor of course! Sharing the pieces that are making our hearts beat a bit faster from a Bauhaus inspired chaise to big botanicals. Ideas and tips on how to use these crushy worthy decor items and inspiration to fall for your own. See the chaise Kelly has fallen for HERE. Not sure what Bauhaus design is READ about it HERE. From sleek to old world, have a look at the wall hanging Anita hooked on HERE. You can also see this pillow in action by watching Kelly's latest YouTube video. Cleck HERE If you enjoy the video subscribe. Just click the RED button HERE. The lamp is too spendy, but leave it to Kelly to figure out how to get the look with a can of spray paint and a metal shade. See the lamp HERE and the DIY materials HERE and HERE. Note this shade is metallic plastic. This shade is metal. Classic as the day is long a column side/coffee table. Anita plans to use two of these as a coffee table. Look HERE. Oh it is the little things. K

Today we're addressing the most commonly asked decorating questions. These are questions that we are asked often and questions we see asked on the internet. Let's get started! The first question is do you have to match the wood floor stain to your furniture stain. The short answer is no. Check out our brown furniture episode 277 HERE For the window Shades Anita mentions, they are Bali natural woven shades in cabo placid HERE Kelly mentioned some fabulous artwork by a popular artist. We found her Etsy shop. Check out the lovely artwork of Cindy Austin HERE Anita found some preserved roses, and you can find them HERE We are a part of the Amazon affiliate program, and if you make a purchase we can earn money. Anita's Amazon favorites are HERE Need help with your home? We'd love to help! We do personalized consults, and we'll offer advice specific to your room that typically includes room layout ideas, suggestions for what the room needs, and how to pull the room together. We'll also help you to decide what

With our DTT Urge to Purge just ended and the KonMari method sweeping the world of clutter today we take a deep dive into the piles & the reason why the tidying tide is high. Thanks to ALL of you who participated in the URGE to PURGE - wasn't that refreshing in sooo many ways? We have two winners of the URGE to PURGE Challenge ... Chantel S for the sheer boldness of her purge & Linda D in the wonderfully/awful category! I'll be sending you both a little something in the mail. Everyone did a terrific job - keep up the good work! If you missed out on the URGE to PURGE, no fear Nita Jean and I are putting something together to help you purge on your own time and to keep as a resource for managing clutter all year long. Let us know if you want info on that and future DTT challenges, events, discounts & more sign up HERE Today we are giving you our thoughts on Marie Kondo's philosophy, methodology and spirit. Have you seen the show? Marie's books are: Life Changing Magic of Tidying

Most people spend a lot of time in their homes. Your home should be a place that is a sanctuary from the crazy world outside. We've got some tips for ways to make your home happier for you and your family. First declutter your home, listen to our episode HERE Make your front door more inviting. You can add a new door mat, a planter or something else like a wreath for your front door. Grab some fresh flowers the next time you hit the store. We love to buy ours at Trader Joes. Contains affiliate links. Looking for ways to arrange your flowers. Grab Kelly's book HERE Make your bed every day. Scent your home with calm inducing essential oils. We love the Desert Rose Diffuser that comes with the Young Living Essential Oils starter kit. Have a look HERE . If you are interested in learning more about essential oils and how they can improve your life we can connect you with our friend Susan. Just send us an email and we will get you the info you want. Keep the laundry put up as soon as it comes out of th

Time for another "What's Up at our Houses"... Purging is a hot topic for us this month. Personal purging & hosting the DTT Urge to Purge Challenge. Other stuff includes a life changing event at Kelly's that has nothing to do with decorating. At Anita's house she has embraced the de-cluttering concept with both arms. And she comes ready with lots of great tips on everything from seat covers to slippers. Speaking of slippers - here is a darling pair in case you are in the market. HERE. You decide "house shoe", slipper, carpet slipper or heck, wear them out of the town! Too cute!! Kelly is working on her white garden during the 'winter' in Cali. Her plan is based losely on the white garden at Sissinghurst. See HERE. Anita mentioned a blog post on an Australian garden. See that post HERE. De-Toxifying our homes has been on our minds and Anita has a new way to clean the water you drink. Try a Berkey water filter. Check them out HERE. Someone asked for our blog links. Here you go Cedar Hill

Yes, it's really our 300th episode. Wow, how time flies. Are you a collector? Do you have a passion for dishes, or linens or something else? Let's talk about how to collect without becoming a hoarder. What are the do's and don'ts of collecting? First, try to curate your collections so that you just have your favorite pieces, the best of the best. You don't need a hundred items to make it a curated collection. Next try to do a write up on the items for future generations. Why are you collecting the items? What is their importance to you or your family?  Make a note of anything of a large monetary value so your family will know.  If you suspect your collection is worth a lot of money, have it appraised, then consider securing a rider on your insurance policy for the items, so they will be covered in case of loss. We also encourage people to display their items and if possible, use them. I collect dishes, and I try to use them often. Boxing things and putting them in the attic is not a good way to enjoy them

Let's declutter and get our homes ready for the new year.  If you want to feel more peaceful and you're ready to clear out the extra stuff, then this is your episode. Firstly, please find someone to give your discards to. If you have old towels or blankets, check with your local humane society to see if they will take them. We try to give away the things that someone else might want, to minimize things going into a landfill. Secondly try to do a declutter at least once a year. If you don't the job will become too overwhelming and you won't even want to start it. Put like things together, that way you'll be able to find things and know where everything is. Now you will be less likely to accidentally buy something you already have. If you find you have 500 envelopes (like I did) give them away. Who needs that many envelopes these days? I just did a major declutter in my home and it feel so good to be able to find things now. We're doing a 10 day declutter challenge, so if you want to join us, send us an

Today is our BIRTHDAY celebration episode ! ( and we have a gift for you!! ) Did you know Anita & were both born on January 17th ...? Coincidence or fate, you decide. Besides the gift, today we have a special show for you. We decide to dive into this topic because we have received so many emails asking about it and because we are very passionate about the subject. It really is all about you, so get a cup of something, or better yet to celebrate a flute of champagne, and let's talk! We are a part of the Amazon affiliate program, and if you make a purchase we can earn money. Anita's Amazon favorites are HERE Need help with your home? We'd love to help! We do personalized consults, and we'll offer advice specific to your room that typically includes room layout ideas, suggestions for what the room needs, and how to pull the room together. We'll also help you to decide what isn't working for you. We work with any budget, large or small. Find out more HERE Hang out with us between episodes at our blogs

High end appliances are HOT. There are a RANGE of choices and we cover it all today ...and toss in a few more puns along the way! High end appliances are gorgeous powerful machines, but are they for you, your house & budget? We cover the pros & cons, as well as give you some outstanding options to explore to get the look & even the performance for much less. Not just pretty, high end stoves pack a whollop of BTU's to taking your cooking to the next level. Listen in to learn more ... In the fridge/freezer departmant it is dual compressors that set high end appliances apart from their lower cost alternatives. Listen in to learn more .... Cleaning up with a high end diswasher is a quiet affair. If quiet isn't a big concern, you may be able to get the hidden control panel in a lower priced machine. Listen in to learn more ... Anita came up with a fantastic option to explore if you are dreaming about a super high end European stove. I was blown away when I headed over to look at the stov

Get excited because today we're talking all about the Decorating trends for 2019. We're discussing the trends we're seeing, what's in, what's out, and our take on the whole thing.For example, floral wallpaper and fabric is coming in along with patterned back-splashes. Vessel sinks will stay in. Dark painted kitchen cabinets are hot now, along with 4 poster beds.Kelly is excited that she got a subscription to Master Class as a Christmas gift HERE(contains affiliate links)Anita's favorite gift was a set of air pods HEREAll white rooms are out, along with rose gold accessories.As always we say, proceed with caution when it comes to trends. What goes up, must come down, so if it's trendy now, it won't be in 5 years. We suggest sticking to classics when it comes to big ticket items like tile, sofas, and counter-tops. If you want to add something trendy to your home, try adding inexpensive accents that you can give away when the trend is over.We are a part of the Amazon affiliate program, and if you make a purchase

Wires & the technology that the wires support are part of our lives. The concept of wireless is fantasy. Even the "wireless" phones, gadgets and more that claim to be wireless are not. Even 'wireless' things need to be charged. So rather than giving in and putting up with the wireless lie we have solutions for you! Thanks to Darcy H for her question which inspired this episode. I wireless high 5 to Darcy !! Thanks for this great epiosde idea. We hope our thoughts help you & anyone else who is tangled up in cords. Try flexible moulding to conceal the the wires. Check it out HERE. Keep all devices in need of charging in one room, like an office or create an enclosed charging station. Listen in for an idea on how to do this. Get a collective charging device for iphone, airpods & Apple watch. Kelly has this one from OLEBR HERE. Television wires - try painting the wall your tv hangs on black. Check it out on Pinterest - looks really cool. Or paint the wires that are exposed to match

It's round about the time to start putting away the Christmas decor. Some feel their homes look bare now, while others love the clean slate, and minimalist look that January brings. No matter which side of the fence you sit on, we're talking about things you can do to transition from the holidays to a winter look for your decor. Greenery, pine cones, cozy touches & metallics work well all thru the winter season Wonderful such decor pieces are: ~ preserved boxwood wreaths HERE; ~ greens cut from your garden or bought in bunches at the market; ~ flameless candles HERE; ~ mercury glass votives HERE; ~ a wintery scented candle HERE; ~ a winter white 'fur' pillow HERE; ~ cozy throws HERE & HERE; The red holiday touches should go, unless red it is part of your year round palette. Trees, Santas and ornaments need to be stored until next year. Store them right in tree bags HERE and ornament boxes HERE. Now is the perfect time to pick up a fresh bouquet of Casablanca lilies or white roses

It is New Years Eve! Exciting!! Anita and I both prefer a cozy New Year's Eve at home. And since I have the Rose Bowl Parade literally yards from my house, leaving my area tonight is not an option. So making a lovely dinner at home is the call. If you don't finish your champagne ( call me ;) ) well first try the spoon in the bottle trick. Today we share our favorite kitchen tools to make doing that for a special occasion or any night easier and more fun. Anita can't do without her cast iron pan. She educates me and those of you who aren;t yet in the know on how one is seasoned & cared for for the best performance. The heat conduction of cast iron is like no other pan. Get one HERE A kitchen scale is a recent addition to my kitchen & I am using it a lot. This one is the one I have, it us inexpensive and works really well. See it HERE These Russell Hobbs retro tea kettles and toasters are FABULOUS!! You must have a look: HERE and HERE. I did not get an immersion blender in my stocking

We have so many tips for you on how to create the sense of additional space in your bedroom. You'll need to listen in for all the details, but here are a few suggestions to start you off... PURGE!! ; A big, light colored rug; Remove furniture - at least give it a try; Get rid of your bed's footboard; Sconces instead of table lamps; Horizontal planking; Reflective surfaces; So many more ideas to create the feeling of space...tune in! Anita's Soft Surrounding Collection is no longer available. We are a part of the Amazon affiliate program, and if you make a purchase we can earn money. Anita's Amazon favorites are HERE Need help with your home? We'd love to help! We do personalized consults, and we'll offer advice specific to your room that typically includes room layout ideas, suggestions for what the room needs, and how to pull the room together. We'll also help you to decide what isn't working for you. We work with any budget, large or small. Find out more HERE Hang out with us between episodes

Cozy is so inviting anytime of the year, but especially when the temperature dips & the calendar turns to the holidays. We have some easy tips & suggestions for creating cozy in your house, along with some specific decor items that can instantly transfrom a room with cozy. Furry pillows HERE and HERE Lambswool rug HERE See our favorite Soft Surroundings snow leopard throw HERE Anita's Soft Surrounding Collection is no longer available. We are a part of the Amazon affiliate program, and if you make a purchase we can earn money. Anita's Amazon favorites are HERE Need help with your home? We'd love to help! We do personalized consults, and we'll offer advice specific to your room that typically includes room layout ideas, suggestions for what the room needs, and how to pull the room together. We'll also help you to decide what isn't working for you. We work with any budget, large or small. Find out more HERE Hang out with us between episodes at our blogs, IG and Kelly's YouTube channels. Link

Brown paper packages wrapped up with string. These are a few of my favorite things. We both agree simplier is better for wrapping gifts. We suggest using kraft paper or plain white wrapping paper with bakers twine or a simple ribbon bow. If you want more color, go with a simple two color paper, or go with tone on tone. Then match your ribbon to your wrapping paper color.Check out our affiliate links to products below.kraft paper HEREbaker's twine HEREplain white wrapping paper HEREelegant two color paper series HEREkraft paper with white accents HEREsealing wax and stamp HEREalphabet stamps HERERomantic Homes magazine HEREDuralex glass food containers HERETutorial on tea stained gift tags HERECatch and Release episode HEREWe are a part of the Amazon affiliate program, and if you make a purchase we can earn money. Anita's Amazon favorites are HERENeed help with your home? We'd love to help! We do personalized consults, and we'll offer advice specific to your room that typically includes room layout ideas, sugg

Tis the season for hosting parties, but ours tips apply no matter the time of year. The over arching tip is ~ keep it simple, stay relaxed and enjoy! If you do those 3 things your guests will have a wonderful time no matter what. We have plenty of other specific tips from what to serve, the decor & a fun game. Have a easy to prepare signature cocktail or mocktail on a tray at the door for guest to pick up as they enter. If it is mingling party create a huge WOW centerpiece. Have a look at the January tutorial in Kelly's book for inspiration. She uses chain in a way you probably never thought of... Click HERE. As we said, hosting is more about attitude than anything else. With the right mind frame you can serve it up on paper plates and believe us no one will blink. Try these paperplates for the holidays HERE. Not enough champagne flutes on hand, get a set or two of these one piece plastic flutes HERE. Because every party is better with bubbles! Speaking of La Marca is the Bespoke Proseco o

Our best holiday gift ideas are here today! These are affiliate links. The hair dryer/round brush HERE Pet portraits for your pets HERE The email address we mentioned is gentlemadness@hotmail.com Yoga pants with the phone pocket HERE Le Creuset Stoneware French Press HERE French Duralex containers (very practical gift!) HERE Honey spoons HERE Rescue Me book by Fifi O'Neill HERE Menus: A Book for Your Meals and Memories book HERE Crossbody purse with a window for your iPhone HERE Reclaimed wood bath trays [HERE]https://amzn.to/2Efu72a) Home Apothecary book by Stephanie Rose HERE Apple Air pods HERE Snow Leopord Throws are sold out. We are a part of the Amazon affiliate program, and if you make a purchase we can earn money. Anita's Amazon favorites are HERE Need help with your home? We'd love to help! We do personalized consults, and we'll offer advice specific to your room that typically includes room layout ideas, suggestions for what the room needs, and how to pull the room together. We'll a

In this episode we pull back the lace curtain if you will and reveal what really gives a home a romantic vibe. Hint, it has little to do with pink, cabbage roses & cherubs. Listen in to get our thoughts on how to get romance right in your decor. Touches of Florentine add romance. Learn about Florentine from Kelly HERE. Tosseled not coiffed - listen to hear what we mean by that... THANK YOU to our listeners who took the time to solve the metal straw thin-y mystery ! The answer is in today's episode. We are a part of the Amazon affiliate program, and if you make a purchase we can earn money. Anita's Amazon favorites are HERE Need help with your home? We'd love to help! We do personalized consults, and we'll offer advice specific to your room that typically includes room layout ideas, suggestions for what the room needs, and how to pull the room together. We'll also help you to decide what isn't working for you. We work with any budget, large or small. Find out more HERE Hang out with us between

Today we are revealing how to create a stunning tree. We've got loads of ideas and tips to help you create a beautiful and memorable tree no matter if it is faux, real, big or small. We cover it all & top it off! Watch Kelly's YouTube video with a great tip for decorating a tree HERE. Prelit hinged trees are super easy to set up, see HERE We love to use a base of silver ornaments on our trees. The silver goes with almost any color. Use silver ornaments on your tree, and then you can add different colors each year if you like. Most colors will work well with the silver ornaments. Kelly follows Dreamy Whites. Check out the tree by Dreamy Whites HERE Check out the clip on candle lights HERE Red berry Christmas picks HERE Gold leaf Christmas picks HERE More gold Christmas picks HERE Pearl Christmas tree garland HERE We are a part of the Amazon affiliate program, and if you make a purchase we can earn money. Anita's Amazon favorites are HERE Need help with your home? We'd love to help! We do p