White Paint: The Ultimate Makeover Tool

My husband received these rather masculine-looking bookends as a gift, and as a quick project I decided (with his permission) to give them a chic makeover with a fresh coat of glossy white paint. Ahhh, much better!

Free Sewing Patterns!

(images from amybutlerdesign.com)

While I'm celebrating all things Amy, I'll mention that she offers free sewing patterns on her website! Just click and download! Happy Stitching!

Everything Amy

I took a spontaneous trip to the fabric store yesterday hoping to stumble upon something fabulous and walked away with a lovely turquoise damask print and the Spring 2009 edition of Better Homes and Gardens Creative Home. I was so excited to read the Amy Butler interview! The above fabrics are from her Midwest Modern 2line, and the images are of her design studio, which I find to be absolutely beautiful. Makes me think I should spiff up my work space!

(images from amybutlerdesign.com)

A Fond Farewell

"Dining Room on a Dime"

"The Thrifty Living Room"
"Bedroom on a Budget"

I am so sad to learn that my absolute favorite decorating magazine, Domino, will be closing its doors in March. Every month I look forward to curling up with the latest issue and finding inspiration for my next decorating project. I don't think another publication will quite be able to take its place, and my only solace is that I have saved many issues and clippings in my files. Thank you, Domino, for providing us with endless ideas and beautiful templates for rooms that are stylish, cozy and oh-so-livable! You will be dearly missed!

(images from dominomag.com)

Hip & Zen

I was just adding links to my "Living Green" section and discovered that Hip & Zen is having a liquidation sale - 75% off all items. I would normally be thrilled to find such amazing deals on beautiful, eco-friendly goods...but I'm sad to see yet another company fold in the current economic storm. Check out their website for incredibly low prices on the above items and more.

Mail Management

I just adore getting the mail! It really is one of the highlights of my day! You never know what will arrive; it's so exciting. There is nothing like receiving an unexpected letter, a favorite magazine or a great coupon. There are two problems, however. One, accompanying all of this fabulous mail is a whole lot of junk mail. And two, it all piles up. This year, I think I've tackled both problems with the help of the Umbra Magnetter and DMAchoice.org. Registering with DMAchoice will significantly reduce your junk mail (and in the process help save the environment). The Magnetter will provide you with a compact, sleek and stylish system for storing your mail and keys. It retails at Umbra for $14.99, but the ground shipping fee of $17.95 sent me on a search for it elsewhere. I found it at The Container Store for $12.99 with very reasonable shipping fees. Or pick it up for free! I was delighted to discover that the online Container Store will allow you to shop and assemble your order and then pick it up at your local store. Yet another reason to love that place!

Bedroom on a Budget

"Bedroom on a Budget." Photo from Domino.