Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Newly Wed-nesday: The Borrowed Bridesmaid


Planning a wedding? By now you've rented a venue, rented tables, chairs, decor and maybe even a port-a-potty or two. It may surprise you at some of the other items you can rent. How about your bridesmaids dresses? Yep, sure can. Why not? Men have been renting tuxedos since the dawn of proms.  Just think about it from your attendants perspective. When we recently got married we planned a destination wedding. We kept our bridal party small. I wanted all of our family and friends to be there and enjoy the day with us without breaking the bank. Traveling and even attending a wedding is expense. Asking friends and family to pay for all the costs involved in standing up just seemed a lot to ask of them. Having said that, we all want those closest to us by our side on that special day. So, for your bridal party, no matter what the number of attendents, renting dresses is a long over due idea. Not only is it affordable but it's super easy and convenient. For bridal parties spread out in different areas its a welcome solution. The site I really like is littleborroweddresses.com. Here is how it works.

First, select your dress style and color, and yes, you can choose a different style for each attendant. They will send you a free swatch to ensure the color and fabric is to your liking. Then place your reservations. Next, the dresses will arrive two weeks prior to the event. In addition to your ordered size, they will send you a back up size with every dress ordered. That's genius. The dresses are designed to not require alterations and are quite forgiving. Finally, both the worn dress and the back up dress must be returned the next business day after the wedding. No need to clean. Send it back in their prepaid mailer and you are done. One tip. LBD recommends reserving three months before the event, but can accommodate last minute events. The cost per dress is approximately $50 - $75 depending on length and style. LBD does sell their dresses new if you prefer. Super simple. It's an option to consider. I mean, truly, they aren't going to wear those dresses again. Just sayin' Happy planning! Ta! THM

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Miss Mash! Follow ups. Sticky Notes. Randomness.

Follow up! - In my post "Santa Gave Me An Upgrade," I let you know about the trade in program at Best Buy. Well, Score! My gamer hubs took some old Xbox and Wii games in and left with a $68 BB gift card! Also, other options for trade-in are Game Stop stores and online at Usell.com. In fact, Game Stop is offering  (until February 17) additional 25% trade value on games and $50.00 extra in-store credit on select game consoles.

More Rewards - If you have signed up for some of the programs from my "Getting the Most Of Your Healthy Food Purchases" Healthy Choice also has a rewards program. It's available through their Facebook page. This one is through a third party site, so it's not my fav but you can still get perks.

Sticky Note - Stock up. Heading into Super Bowl weekend is the time to grab snacks, frozen appetizers, condiments, deli meats, and Mexican foods. Use in store specials, bundle discounts and your coupons to save big.

Etchings From The Man Cave - Not a big newsflash but the old rule still holds true. The end of January and first part of February are the best time to buy big televisions. Found this deal at h.h.Gregg on a 55" LG for $799.

Stuff From The Closet - Not shy about my love for LC. You know I rave about her jeans. Check out her Spring collection "Paper Crown."

ReCap - New Additions launched last week! "Newly-Wednesday" and "Design Day Friday." Let me know what you would like me to cover.

Plug - I often post additional tidbits on social media so please follow me. Twitter: @The_HomeMaker. Facebook: The Happy Home Maker (make sure Home Maker is two words) and Pinterest: click on the link on my homepage.

Next! - More new features to come. I have some really wonderful interviews, guest bloggers and fun bits.

Thank you for growing with The Happy Home Maker. As with any family, it's good to know that we're in this together. Best to you my friends, THM

Friday, January 25, 2013

Design Day Friday: Toss Those Pillows That Came With Your Sofa

Often when you buy a sofa from a large furniture chain they come with their own toss pillows as part of the package. They call them toss pillows for a reason. They must go. I am pretty opinionated on this topic. I know there are exceptions to every rule, but I have yet to see a decent accent pillow with a mass marketed living room set. When you purchase a custom sofa, chair or loveseat, you choose every detail of your pillows including welting, size, shape and front and back patterns. These options create that high-end look that you don't get right off the bat with seating off the show room floor. You can get a similar look by making a few quick changes. Here is a photo of the design-crime-pillows that came with one of my sofas. HORRIBLE. (Please don't zoom too closely or the dog hair will show!)


Okay, we can fix this. I have a few design rules that I live by. One of them is that not everything should "match." To clarify, "matching" is very different from "coordinating." Throughout the blog you will see this rule of mine as a constant. Taking a room from a look that was transplanted from a furniture store to your home to one from a design studio means its time to stop the matchy-matchy madness. The eye needs a place to rest and when everything is the same, pattern, color, texture the entire look becomes diluted. I'll just say it. It's boring. Decorative pillows are a fast and inexpensive way to take a basic seating group and kick it up a notch.


The easy recipe is to pick one solid with texture, one geometric or repeating pattern with no more than two colors and one multi-color print. Vary the size and/or shape. Together the group brings life to a simple sofa or love-seat. 


I grabbed some pillows and threw some easy combinations together. Getting rid of those boring pillows can add fun to your living room. Don't be intimidated by mixing patterns. Both of these have a similar green hue in them and the patterns are similar in size and direction. Keep your color palette consistent and use complimentary sizes in your pattern and you will be surprised by the transformation.  


If your patterns are monochromatic, add the unexpected touch of an accent color. Again, the solid is textured but the bright hue is a lovely boost to the subdued blue tones. The different shapes of the pillows also make it more interesting to the eye.


This weekend is a great time to play around with your throw pillows. There are so many terrific options out there at discount retailers. No time, not in the budget? Grab some from the other areas of your house and start mixing it up a bit. Go with what your eye likes, if you think its too busy, then just start out with a solid in an accent color or only one pattern. You'll get the hang and before you know it,  I guarantee you'll never "match" again. Send me your transformations. I'd love to see what you came up with. Ta!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Newly Wed-nesday! Gift Registry For Real Life

Over the last few weeks I have been developing new projects and additional features for the blog. Being newly married, and having worked with so many couples as a designer over the years, I created Newly Wed-nesday. My purpose is to share my experiences and tips on everything from wedding planning and trends, to setting up a new happy home. For my first installment I decided to tackle the gift registry. If you have a wedding coming up this spring or summer, now is the time to create your registry. Waiting until the last minute can add more stress than necessary. Putting together a useful registry takes time and thought. There are a variety of options for gift registries and you will need to find the best fit for you. I created a few guidelines to help navigate the registry world. 

Just starting out and not living on your own before marriage can actually be the most overwhelming situation because it is difficult to really know what your needs will be. You don't have a household routine yet and you pretty much need everything. The key to creating a "good registry" is resisting the "kid in a candy store" approach. Walking around and shopping with a scanner gun can be dangerous. Companies are slick at marketing to newlyweds and it's easy to get sucked into the hype. Tagging every item that you think is cool without having any direction is fun, but after you settle in to you home you will probably regret it. I see so many registries and say to myself, "you will never take that out of the box." Stay practical. Unless you know with certainty that you will use a specialty item, don't register for it. I'm talking about doughnut makers, cake pop machines, panini presses, juicers, beer makers, waffle irons, etc. You know, the fluffy stuff. All of these items are great fun but if you really want one, I suggest asking for them for a birthday or Christmas after you get the basics. Not to be a bridal bummer, it's ok to treat yourself to a couple splurge items but in this case, limit your registry to three.

What if you're a bit more seasoned bride and groom? When you have two established people combining households, its a very different philosophy. Chances are your biggest issue is having too many things and a lot of duplicates. So, create your inventory and decide what stays and what goes before going to register. Next, stick with the basics and determine where you might need an upgrade like towels or linens that may have seen better days. Once you've got a baseline, consider practical additions like a special piece of specialized cookware or small appliance that you have been wanting. Then get less practical. Here is where you can add the splurge items like the ice-cream maker. When you get married after living independently, you can pick more of the fluffy stuff because you are more likely to choose items that will be used since you have everything else. Select places to register that are less broad and more tailored to your needs.

I recommend registering at three places giving your guests options. Also, multiple registries gives you flexibility mix up a variety of household categories and ways for guests to give. If you are just starting out, I would stick with two larger department stores and one home improvement store. Make sure that you don't choose stores that are only regional if you have guests across the country. Don't assume that in the age of online shopping that everyone does it. Not true. Consider that some people like, older family members may not be comfortable with buying online. If you fall into the established household category, keep it safe with at least one department store but you can mix it up a bit more with a couple specialty shops like a local boutique or an electronics store for items like cameras and audio equipment. A trend that is becoming more and more popular is the charitable gift registry. Websites like the I Do Foundation will set up ways for your guests to give to your select charity or charities on your behalf.  Once you have decided on where, its time to start creating your registry. Where to start? Pre-planning is key. Most large department stores are set up so that you can start the registry process online without having to go to the store. In my opinion, this is the best way to start without the temptation of all the pretty marketing displays to overwhelm you. However, once you get a foundation in place, you should visit the store in person. It is helpful to see items in person and many stores have products that are only available in store and not online and vice-versa. Visit the website of the store(s) that you have chosen. Almost all of them have a Registry checklist to get you going. Here is my breakdown of how to approach their list form a realistic and practical point of view.

  1. Start with big ticket items. These are the items that you should invest in good quality and durable items that you will have for years to come. Vacuum, Microwave, Grill (yes, I think this is a basic), and Cookware. You only need a large stock pot, 2-3 sautée pans, 1 small 2qt. sauce pan and 1 med 4qt. saucepan 1-2 cookie sheets and an oven roaster. Unless you are a serious cook you don't need every size of pan and pot that is in existence. 
  2. Tabletop. Here is where it gets tricky. There is an old school of thought that you should register for two full sets of dishes, one for everyday and one formal. I love dishes. I have several sets, but that's me and I use them. Even if its just my hubs and I, when we want to have a special dinner, I bring out my formal china. This is also probably the one time that you will ever consider buying formal china. If you are a traditionalist then go for it, but this is truly a choice that you should consider for yourself and the way you live and entertain. Formal china can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars so is it that important to you to have a full service for twelve? My best suggestion is somewhere in the middle. Choose a high quality everyday set in a neutral pattern. Pick out a few serving pieces in a fine china pattern that coordinates with your everyday items and a couple items of crystal like a beautiful vase for a centerpiece. This gives you versatility to pull them out when you want to dress up your dinner table and still have a few treasured keepsakes. Overtime you can build on your crystal and china serve-ware to expand your collection.
  3. Kitchen/Small Appliances-Coffee Maker, Mixer, Toaster, Crockpot (you'll thank me later) Iron and Ironing Board, Mixing Bowls, Cooking Utensils, Cutting Board (synthetic and wood), and Knives.A nice Chefs/ Utility knife will be your work horse, in addition to a Pairing knife and Bread knife. 
  4. Bed and Bath-Don't skimp on towels. You will need more than you think. I recommend two colors, one neutral and one accent color . You can mix and match and add another color or pattern later. Get at least two full sets of towels and two bath mats to rotate. Bedding is dependent on your living situation. If you know you are moving into a one bedroom, don't register for three bedrooms of bedding. By the time you get into a bigger place and can actually use it, you'll probably want something different anyway. Select a nice comforter set, bed skirt, mattress pad and two sets of coordinating sheets so you can change up or have a spare on laundry day.
  5. Garage. (Now you know why I suggest registering at a home improvement store.) Often overlooked but very important. Starting out a new home and having to purchase the utilitarian items can add up fast. Getting a jump on things can prevent a big hit to a new home owners budget. What you will need is partly dependent on your living situation whether house, apartment, or condo. However, there are some must haves. Tools. Get a multi-purpose set of tools including wrenches, screwdrivers and a hammer. Every home improvement store has packaged starter sets that are economical and very useful. Lawnmower. Again, dependent upon your circumstances but a big ticket item that is a much more useful than a fondue set. Ladder. Gotta have one at approximately 6 feet. A few garden tools. Rake, Shovel and Small Hand Tools. Emergency and Safety Items. Not the most exciting things on your registry but the most important. Fire Extinguishers, a Fireproof Personal Safe for important documents and Rechargeable or Self Charging Flash Lights. 

These are just tidbits to help you choose products that will fit you and your family as you begin your married life. In the end, your registry will be unique to you and your fiancée. After you get a good registry foundation fill in the blanks with what works for your new life together and the things your really want  A successful registry is one with input from both of you. It's also a great opportunity to test the waters of marital compromise and another way to learn about each others likes and dislikes. Finally, remember that it's all just stuff. The true gift is the life the two of you will build together. Best Wishes and above all enjoy every minute of your engagement and wedding planning. I hope to see you back here next Newly Wed-nesday.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Decorating With Americana


It's Inauguration Day in our great country. Whatever your political affiliation, it is a day which brings pride and gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy in America. This country has such a rich history and many of us have bits and pieces of times gone by in our own homes. Whether you inherited a piece or collected over the years, it can be tricky to work antiques into your more current decor. Decorating with Americana can bring to mind the folksy, pink and blue, over run with nic-nack look of the early 1990's. Today, incorporating found objects and vintage pieces with clean modern furnishings is the trend. It's more about showcasing select statement pieces, than mass amounts of manufactured theme items. Using a neutral back drop, light or dark, natural textures, like canvas, jute, and metal create the perfect backdrop to pop a few items of nostalgia, without having to live in a museum. These rooms are good examples of showcasing Americana:



One of my most important decorating principles is "If you love it, then why hide it." So many of my clients over the years have shown me awesome family artifacts with lovely stories behind them. Most of the time they were tucked away in a drawer or closet. These are the details that make your space personal, your bits of history. Use them and show them off. However, collections can be tough to display and not look cluttered or junky. Its important to remember to group items together and vary the shape and height to create interest.  Even the novice decorator can't go wrong with the basic rule of three. Select three items of different heights and place them together, now continue grouping and then put all the sub groups together in one collection. By putting like items in one display they become a unit and not scattered tchotchkes (Choch-Kees).  If you are into Americana, some of the most popular items are books, kitchen utensils, pottery and dishes, nautical artifacts and quilts.  Putting them out properly can be the difference between a nice room and a really interesting space.


Great quilt storage. They are protected but still out to enjoy. The key to this is not over stuffing, neatly folding and keeping any other items in cabinet simple.



When displaying pottery or ceramics, the important thing to remember is to keep patterns and colors together. This collection is from the same era, family and color palette so it works without looking busy.


Don't be discouraged by unusual items with odd shapes or structure. Again, grouping them together gives them purpose. After all their unique construction is part of why you collect them.


Play with items and think of them in a way other than the typical. Turning items over or on end, breaks up the linear display of each shelf and brings dimension to your grouping. Whatever you collect, don't be afraid to share your treasures. History never goes out of style and should never be forgotten. "If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on Earth." -President Ronald Reagan

Monday, January 14, 2013

Couponing For Mere Mortals: Getting The Most Of Your Healthy FoodPurchases

When you make the commitment to eat healthy, you may think that your savings options are limited. Not true it just takes a bit more creativity. Products that are natural, organic or specialty cost more to produce and tend to have a higher shelf price. In our house, we have a few items and brands that are "non-skimp" items. These are things that we feel are worth spending a little more on like, meats and eggs. The investment in our health is more beneficial then buying items because of sale price. Also, I try to be a thoughtful shopper. I am brand loyal. If I get good service or feel that a company is really making a good product then it's my job as a consumer to support that business. I understand that for so many stretching your food budget is survival and sometimes means compromising the healthier or preferred product. How do you balance being a thoughtful shopper and still save money?


Make the decision about which items are your "non-skimpers." Make a quick list for those items. This only takes a couple minutes on your computer. Save it and print it each time you sit down to make your weekly list. Keep track of the base price of these items, so you can easily compute when you find a bargain. By starting with these items first you can scan for deals and decide what portion of your weeks budget is still available for your additional needs. Now here is where you need to plan ahead a bit and get creative. For items like meats, dairy and produce buy direct and in bulk. You don't have to live in a rural community to support local farming. With a little research you can find great resources for fresh healthy ingredients. If you aren't sure where to start you can contact your local or state agriculture department to find co-ops, farms that sell direct and farmers markets. Many ranchers will sell meats in bulk, even butchering them into your preferred cuts. Check with the farm to find out when they will be offering meats, often they have set dates when you can purchase and you will need to order ahead. You can go in with a friend or two to cut the costs if you don't need such a large amount of product. Eggs and dairy often cost less than and are fresher than supermarket items. When I buy fresh eggs, I pay less than $3 for 18 and they last about a week longer than store bought. Buying local is fun too, make it a regular part of your shopping routine. Over time you will get to know your farmers and many times they will throw in extras for you to try or just as a thank you. Those relationships are far more valuable than saving a dollar.

Now, for those items that you need to head to the grocery store for, it is best to track when they typically go on sale. There are certain times of the year when select items have promotions. Jumping on the New Years resolution band wagon, this is the time of year that manufacturers push their healthier brands. They want consumers, who may not usually buy their brand to try out products. Items like, snack bars, cereals, frozen meals, and vitamins and supplements are at unusually low prices. This is when you stock up until the spring/summer when they begin their bikini ready campaigns. For example, our local store has a month long promotion with Lean Cuisine. I purchased 6 meals (any variety) for $12 (usually $3-$4 each) and also got a 12ct pack of Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches ($7.99 retail) for free! Look for ways to benefit after you purchase. Three big brands, Lean Cuisine®, Kellogg's®, and Kashi® have great reward programs that you may not know about. By signing up on their websites and entering codes printed inside select products or doing bonus activities like watching informational videos, you can bank points to redeem for products and additional coupons and discounts.

Finally, don't hesitate to send kudos directly to brands. Send an email to them letting them know they are doing a good job. Sometimes they will thank you in return with a coupon or promo code. Also, use social media. Some discounts are only available to fans that follow on sites like Twitter or Facebook. You don't have to compromise your food standard. It will take a little investment of time getting set up but you will recoup in the long term. Health and happiness from our home to yours! Ta!

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Living In The Pages Of A Magazine: Mountain Home Cozy


Southern Living® Idea House

Ever flip through the pages of a magazine and wish you could get the same look in your space?  It can be done and it doesn't have to be an exact replica to get similar style.  This cozy gathering area featured in Southern Living is an example of good use of neutrals with a pop of color. The neutrals don't feel blah because there is lots of varied texture and red is always a grand slam to make a room fun. I like rooms that are realistic and you would actually live in. The elements of this space are comfortable and practical making  it my pick to try and replicate for you! I put together my finds to give you the same look at a reasonable price point.

The color palette for this room is a blend of creams and linen grays with just enough red to make it interesting.  The red in this room is a pink-i-er hue not a deep blue-y red. If you don't have a built-in, no problem. Create the effect of the accent wall using  a chest, bookcase, even an old armoire or hutch painted in "geranium." Add in the picks I selected below and you can crawl into the pages of this layout and enjoy! 

                                                                                    


jcp.com  $70 set of 2
jcp.com Metal Urn Lamp $65
potterybarn.com Ariana Suzani Pillow $59.50
pier1.com Rita Tufted Chair $399.98
ballarddesigns.com George Table $259
jcp.com Palmero Coffee Table $375
ballarddesigns.com Seagrass Rug 8x10 $249 
Gotta pic you'd like me to try and replicate? Email me and I'll see what I can hunt up for you! Ta!

Friday, January 11, 2013

I Feel Pretty: Jeans That Make Me Happy



I never watched the "O.C." but I am a huge Lauren Conrad fan. I started wearing her jeans from her fashion label LC® Lauren Conrad and I am addicted to them. They are made really well and cut for almost any shape. Think you can't rock skinny jeans? I am willing to bet if you try these you"ll think differently. Funny story: While visiting my family for the holidays, I was pleasantly surprised that Christmas Day my sister, my niece-to-be and I all showed up unplanned at the dinner table in our LC pants! What's even more cool is that between the three of us there is an approximate 20 years in age difference from youngest to oldest. They looked great and completely appropriate on all of us. What makes them so figure friendly is that they are mid-rise and don't gap in the back, they have stretch woven in so they really feel like leggings and the style is super cute in all the hot colors. Wear them with flats, boots or dress them up with a cute wedge. Look, I'll be honest, working from home these days its easy to fall into the yoga pants (minus the actual yoga part) habit. I get the same comfort and still feel work ready in these pants. Here's a pick of my winter go to's. 

Distressed Denim, Black Floral and Red Corduroys my besties!

The seasons will change before you know it, but a good pair of jeans is a must in your closet anytime. I recommend giving these a chance in your spring wardrobe. Her spring collection is beach inspired and has some pretty tones that will freshen up your look. Her collection is available at Kohl's® and the price point is terrific. They are available in 5 colors and on sale right now for $37.50 plus this weekend Kohl's® has promo codes for 15% off everything(SKATING) or 20% off $100.00 (SLEDDING) and free shipping on orders over $75.00. With that deal, its hard to argue against grabbing a couple pair and maybe a cute sweater to make the outfit complete.


I'm happy when I find something that really makes me feel good about myself. I hope these are a good find for you too. Hit me back with a pic of you and your new bestie! Off to see what I can add to my closet next! Ta!

Controlling The Clutter: Ear-Buddies!


One of my biggest challenges is from one of the smallest items in my house. Earbuds  They just don't stay put. Its like they have "Cirque du Soleil" powers and contort into a hot mess no matter where I stash them. Thanks to Pinterest and Google, I set out to find some ideas to contain these little circus performers.  One of the most original I found was this retro styled (of course, I love all things retro inspired) thread spool by Fred and Friends®.  It retails for about $8.00, which can add up if you have as many earbuds floating around as we do. With some ambition you can make them yourself. It is pretty easy and only requires a few tools, but you will need to hunt down some good old fashioned wooden spools. However, I think there is an adaptation out there that can be done using new fangled plastic or styrofoam spools, but I haven't attempted it yet. You must tell me if you try it out! Here is a good tutorial on how to make your earbud holder. Click the link below the photo.



Not a DIY-er but still want a way to control the pile of spaghetti?  I found a couple ideas that are super fast, cheap and effective.  A bonus is that these are more kid friendly, especially if things go into the backpack never to return again. You aren't out any time or money. 

Courtesy of natalme

Find somewhere else to store that mix tape that your hubs made for you back in college. This is an awesome idea! For those of you that have never owned one of these or, gulp, don't know what it is...I have another option. 

Courtesy of iheartorganizing

This is made from a small travel size Q-tip® holder. I love the addition of a little sticker. You could embellish either option with endless possibilities. In our house we always confuse our earbuds so adding a personal touch to the case will keep them in order. You can bling them out or man them up with a team logo.  Moms, add an initial sticker on each case and no more who's who? You could even make this a rainy day project and let the kiddos decorate their own.  Which ever route you take, be creative and make it uniquely your own. Feel free to share your creations here! Ta!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

TechnOrganizing: Ready, Set, Print And So Much More

Running a household these days without technology is like running uphill in heels. Its unnecessary and begs the question: why are you doing that? There are so many devices, apps, accessories and programs out there that can make your home management a snap.  You can save time by using technology efficiently giving you more time for what is important in your home. If you are used to doing things the old fashioned way or are way over due for a techno make over, then it can be a bit daunting to navigate the rapidly changing technology industry. A good place to start is with your printer.  A printer that can multitask is so important. It is the hub of organization. We use ours to print labels and lists, coupons, photos, scan and archive important docs, fax, get creative and so much more. I'll be giving you many ways to maximize your printer in future posts.  For now, I have a good checklist to think about when comparing models.

1. Wireless Technology - With all the new handheld devices, smart phones, and tablets floating around the house you need a printer that can tie all of these together.  Wireless technology will allow you to click an print from most all of your devices from any room in the house. 

2. Scanner - Most people make the mistake of overlooking this option.  Its so important in a well organized home. You can use it to make copies in hard copy form. However, it also will scan photos and documents right to your computer or device. This is great for archiving. and saving valuable space in your file cabinet. Its a great way to preserve old photos that are pre-digital era, and even creating an album of kids artwork and mementos.  Its great for record keeping too. I am diligent about keeping a copy of almost everything, especially important correspondence that goes out snail mail, receipts, etc.

3. Skip the Fax - Another benefit of having a scanner is that it can allow you to fax something that you have in hard copy form. You don't need this option on your printer if you already have it on your computer. I recently had to send some original documents back to my investment firm. Using my scanner, I uploaded the hard copies up to my computer and used its "fax from computer program" on my PC to send it. Most newer PCs and Macs have this capability so unless you have a specific need for a fax feature on your printer, I would skip this feature. 

4.  Ink - This is a head spinner. Walk into any office supply chain and they have walls of ink cartridges. They range in price from kinda cheap to you're kidding me! So make sure you research the cost of replacement cartridges when comparing units.

5. Compatibility - The key to any relationship. Your gadgets need to like each other. Make sure you check the specs on your printer to ensure that it plays nicely with your PC or Mac. If you are using iOS™ or a program like iCloud™ (Apple® talk) there are some newer printers built to work easily with iPads™ and iPhones™. 

Its more affordable than you might think to find one that performs well. Here is a example of a worthy product that meets these guidelines. I have always been partial to HP® printers and have had really good success with them at home and in professional settings. Its wireless, has print/scan/copy features, and the ink is reasonable at $9.99 to $26.00 (for combo packs). This unit also has HP® ePrint technology, which in short, allows you to print from anywhere with an internet connected printer. Found this one at Office Max®. 



Don't be intimidated. At first glance it may seem like picking out the options on your new car is easier than navigating the bells and whistles on these gadgets. Stay focused and streamline your specific needs. A little research and comparison shopping will get you ready to print in no time.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Etchings From The Man Cave: All Shined Up



I married a car guy. One of his favorite unwinders is polishing up the cars and keeping them running efficiently. He finds it relaxing and I don't mind my cruising in a well detailed ride. If you have a guy like this at home, then you also have a shelf full of creams, sprays and liquid potions for every inch of the car. Some of these products, especially waxes and "finishers" don't come cheap. When I found this box o'goodies, I knew it was too good to pass by. Remember though, as I always say, this is only a bargain because we use the stuff. Don't buy it if your idea of Saturday work on the car is getting a Venti to sip on while in line at the car wash. Here is what we got in our Armor All gift pack: 
  1. Armor All Ultra Shine Butter Smooth Wax 16.9 fl oz
  2. Armor All Cleaning Wipes 25pk
  3. Armor All Ultra Shine Wash & Wax 1 pt
  4. Armor All Ultra Shine Tire Foam Protectant 18oz 
  5. 1 Glass Cleaning Towel 
  6. 1 Microfiber Towel
  7. 1 Plush Microfiber Sponge
  8. 1 Wheel Cleaning Brush
  9. 1 Armor All Air Freshener
From what I can find this is only available in Target stores. We did a rough estimate on the value of the items individually. The Butter Smooth Wax (which according to my fella is the "good stuff") alone in the store was $8.94. We came up with a value of about $40.00. The gift pack retailed over the Holidays for $35.00. We paid $10.50 for the whole box! Not to mention I got a free car wash and a relaxed and happy hubs! Cha-ching for me!




Monday, January 7, 2013

Let There Be Light!

Ok, I'm a little OCD about room lighting. Poor lighting can mean too much, too little, or just having it coming from all the wrong places. Really, I actually find it hard to be comfortable in a room with bad lighting. I told ya, I have issues. That is why I think I love lamps. They, in my opinion are one of the top 5 elements that make or transform a space.  Not only from a practical lighting use, but they can add mood, personality, texture, pattern and color. You do not need to spend big money to have a big impact in any room.  One of my other hobbies is scouring the clearance aisles and websites for crazy bargains on stuff that is actually nice, pretty and useful. Here are a few of my finds today. Oh, look at that they are all lamps...shocking.

Target - $42.50  Classic but works in so many applications. Great functional piece for a bedside or desktop. perch then in a room with transitional home spun style and lots of vintage and dimensional fabrics.


JcPenney - $32. So perfect. The linen shade is a great addition of texture, the cream washed finish makes it an easy pairing with any color palette. The shape keeps it from being too feminine.


JcPenney - $62.00 This is right on trend with 2013. Yes, brass is back. You are going to be seeing a lot of over-the-top decor and antique style this year. Pair this with a beautiful big mirror and on an old chest and you have a designer go to look.

West Elm  - $6.99-$9.99 Pendant lights are so much fun and they are a necessity in any kitchen no matter how small the space. These cuties come in a variety of colors and in three sizes. The industrial, high gloss design gives then a funky flare that can pair with contemporary, urban or retro styles.


If you only change one thing in your home this year, switch out a couple lamps and you will refresh and update with the flick of a switch!



Saturday, January 5, 2013

The HomeMaker Playlist: Home

Its Saturday! What better time to kickoff the HomeMaker Playlist. I chose this song for a couple reasons. Seems fitting and a bit of an anthem for the blog. Home can be anywhere and anything. It also brought to mind a moment I had during our recent move. My now husband and I were making our way to our new home state of KY. I was following behind in my car and chuckling at the back of his head along side the back of our dogs head.  Quite a pair. This song came on and it struck me. Prior to the move I was a little nervous anticipating how I would like it and missing my life back in NC. Hearing this I suddenly thought of my hubs and knew that he would make anywhere we were together, home and I, for him.  It was all good. So, that's why I blog about home its our power source, encompassing all that is important to us, tangible and intangible. Thank you for taking your precious time to read my little blog and I hope that you find your happy home.

Happy Alert! Like My Hat?

Just scored some amazing bargains at Target! Got this cute little hat for $1.80!! I also grabbed one in charcoal and watermelon stripe. They had turquoise, purple, fuchsia, bright blue, and a bunch of other fun colors. They are super comfy and fit really well. Couldn't keep this deal under my hat! Oh yeah, I said it.


Couponing For Mere Mortals



It can be done. You can coupon. You will not have to turn your guest bedroom into a stock room, you do not have to resort to the dooms day prepper lifestyle and you are not required to wear mom jeans or even be a mom. Really, there is no reason not to coupon unless you are Warren Buffet and I think he (or his people) clips. I get it, you can barely get to the grocery store let alone find time to pour over weekly circulars. I've been there. Especially when I was single. I was a hunt and peck shopper. I went to the store and grabbed what I needed at that moment and paid whatever without thinking about it. This wasn't because I was making bank. The opposite was true. I was pinching pennies so hard, old Abe had a headache. It was a habit, and a bad one. It seemed overwhelming to plan and clip and run from store to store until I learned that it is pretty easy. Now, don't get me wrong you can take this as far as you want. For realistic purposes, I am going to give you my best tip for at least saving something, which is more than you are saving now, and its a good way to feel your way around the process. First thing, if you do nothing else, get a rewards card for the places you shop. Ok, now that you have done that, what a lot of people don't know is that you can load manufacturer coupons directly onto the card! Guys,especially, like this feature because you can load and forget it. Most larger chains offer this option to their customers. Here's the baby steps of digital couponing: 1. Sign up for your rewards card. 2. Register your rewards card online with the grocery chain. 3. Click on the digital coupons tab. 4. Select and  load your coupons onto the card. Done! Each week go back and load more coupons. Next time you go to that store any items you purchase that have corresponding coupons on your card will automatically deduct at the register. Yep. Cool. I know. You thought you had to stand there while everyone behind you glared at you for handing the cashier a stack of coupons as thick as War and Peace. Nope, its quick and discreet. All right friends, its time to load 'em up and move 'em out!

Friday, January 4, 2013

When Mommy Needs To Get Plugged In


I found this great site for all things Mommy. Cafemom is a great place to get information, share stories and stay up to date on the latest buzz and even play games, not the kids, you mom!  It has easy to navigate conversations and pages and is more interactive and useful than the message boards of the past. This site really has its act together. Of course, its run by Mommies. Everything from parenting tips to a comedy corner, whatever your day brings you Cafemom has a tool in its arsenal.  Their sister site called theStir is a must visit for any mom, especially when you are feeling like your contact with anyone or anything not cartoon-like is limited. This site gives you news of the interesting and sometimes odd. Its a great way to brush up on your coffee conversation and give you something other than the kiddies to chat about. For instance, today some of their stories include:

"Kim Kardashian Dissed by Diet Companies that Don't Want to Help Her Lose Baby Weight  or "Free Breast Pumps for Moms Thanks to New Healthcare Law!"  They also have original content videos like this one:




I'm going to head on over and see what Kate Middleton is up to...hope you enjoy! TaTa

Decorate On Over To The Dark Side

The thought of painting a wall in your home black let alone an entire room for many congers up images of dark, oppressive and dungeon like spaces. Quite the contrary, one of the biggest trends in interior design is the black wall. Rooms become crisp, elegant and loaded with personality. This trend is not limited to ultra modern style. It pairs nicely as an update to traditional or transitional style. Like this sweet little yellow and black number.

There are a few guidelines to help you pull this dramatic do-over off successfully: 1. If you paint, make sure you have a well prepared surface. Black dresses are forgiving, black walls, not so much. Fill all nail holes, sand well and caulk any necessary imperfections. 2. If your walls just aren't up to the task, use a black tone on tone wall paper to get the same effect and a smoother finish. Its like Spanx for your dining room! 3. Pair with a very clean color palette. Stick with neutrals such as white, or shades of cream or linen. Use only one strong accent color and distribute it conservatively. 4. Mix texture, this gives interest and breaks up the dominance of the harsh black backdrop. Include wood, fabric and natural elements. 5. Finally, keep all your patterns monochromatic. The room should be cohesive and not overpowered by layers of pattern and color. I love this dining room. It is a great example of all the elements, done simply.


There are more awesome rooms out there so go find your inspiration and let me know how it goes!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

To Target, To Target


Ah Target, how I adore thee. I have decided to dedicate a regular post "To Target, To Target" to share my finds. Today I made a trip to my shopping playground and discovered some really great bargains. This years joint holiday marketing with Neiman Marcus brought some high end design items to Target stores. In my opinion, they were a little steep for Target but bargain priced for Neimans. You just don't feel like paying $100.00 for a cocktail dress at Target, but hang that same dress in Niemans at that price and the elbows will fly! That said, there are quite a few left overs to snap up at 70% off. Who wouldn't want some rag and bone shot glasses for 5.99 or a Marc Jacobs pouch for 20.99. Great ideas to tuck in your gift closet for last minute hostess gifts. I have found the selection is better in the stores but if you prefer you can still get a few items online. Not only are the bargains hot, but the stores are almost empty in my area and parking is primo! Guess you need to run to Target. Darn, if I have too...

Resolve Not To Have a Resolution.

Yep. That's what I said. Sounds defeating but its not. Making resolutions to change on January 1, now that's defeating. Let me back up. Teaching my class "De-Clutter Your Life," one of the primary principles I stress is making realistic goals. New Years resolutions are not realistic for the majority of us. Think about this. Since approximately Thanksgiving your entire routine has been offset. Kids are out of school, financially stressed,diet is out of control, time off work and maybe even travel are all typical factors in throwing our regular lifestyle and routine down the chimney. Trying to get back to normal and throwing a major life shift on top or that is a recipe for failure. Give yourself a chance to regroup from the holiday chaos and then start your plan of action. Here is what I recommend to my students: 1. Get back to "normal." Finish the overload of laundry, get the decorations put back, get on a sleep schedule, gather a couple paychecks under your belt and put the kids on the bus. 2. By all means plan. This is critical and will prevent loss of motivation. Select a date certain to begin your transformation. Make it at least 2-3 weeks post January 1. Tell everyone you know, circle it on the calendar and set the alarm on your android. Its go time. 3. One thing at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself with an entire me makeover at one time. Start with one change. Once you start this action plan. Get the calendar back out and schedule the next start date. Make sure it is at least 3-4 weeks before adding anything else to your plate. It takes at least 21 days for a habit or routine to stick. Whatever you choose to take on in 2013, I wish you success and happiness. I will be cheering for you!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Santa Gave Me An Upgrade. Now What Do I Do With My Old Stuff?

Much like life, technology changes at super sonic speed. Now that Christmas has passed, and so many of us received the latest and greatest gadgets under the tree, what do we do with the ones that are so last year? Best Buy has a great program to trade in your has-been devices. Its a great way to get a little bonus or at a minimum, be eco-responsible. The program is pretty simple. Best Buy will give you a gift card for a minimum of $5 for any item that they have carried in their store regardless if you purchased it from them. This is not limited to old cell phones, and includes games and consoles, navigation devices and e-readers. There are a few exceptions. You can check out their website for a complete list of items and see if you can score some dough. If the item is not eligible for a gift card, they have an extensive recycling program to keep the techno trash out of our landfills. One recommendation is to take all cords, chargers and components with you to maximize your trade value. Time to send the kiddos to their room for a January clean up and clean out.

She's Back.....!

Wow, so much has changed since my last post. Life is funny that way. It can go from 0-60 and back again in a flash. I have a new husband and have relocated to a new state and a completely new career path. So, what comes with that is a lot of new perspective and new ideas, passions and information. Thats alot of "new." I look forward to reconnecting and renewing my relationship with my readers. Thank you for checking back on the HomeMaker and I look forward to navigating home life with you. Here we go!