Monday, August 31, 2009

Shop The Top! Flea Market Tips

Flea Markets are a great resource for finding unique and well priced things for your home. Round Top Texas is famous for its wonderful flea market. People come from around the world for this fantastic bi-annual event. One of my favorite Dallas/Fort Worth event planning companies wants you to join them to "Shop The Top" in style. They have organized an amazing three day shopping event that includes transportation and assistance with your purchases among other things. For more information call 972-380-4233.
To help you prepare for your flea market adventure, In Any Event shared a list of tips for successful flea market shopping with me:
-Dress Down! Don't show up in your Sunday best or you will pay more for your items! Also be sure to go prepared with a hat, jacket and sunscreen.
-Arrive Early but don't Leave Early. If you want to have a great selection arrive to the event as it is starting. There are many professional designers and artists who wait at the entrance gate to many markets so that they have a chance at the best items. But don't be intimidated by their eagerness. There are always great items and deals to be found. The best prices are often found in the final hours of the event when dealers are dreading packing up their belongings again. Make them an offer that is more appealing than packing and you might leave with a treasure.
-Take Cash. Make a budget for yourself and take that amount in cash. Small bills only though! One, Five, Ten and Twenty dollar bills are appropriate.
-Hunt for Treasures. The best deals are found at the dealers who spread their wares out on an old blanket or folding table. The dealers who spend a great deal of time arranging their booth and merchandising their goods typically have higher prices.
-Bring Plastic Bags. Most dealers don't have bags for you to carry your things in. You might also want to bring some bubble wrap or a small rolling cart.
-Drive the appropriate vehicle. Don't take your tiny convertible if you are planning to purchase a dining table! Borrow a truck or van if you don't have one of your own and arrive prepared with packing materials such as blankets, bubble wrap, tape and boxes.
-Be Prepared. Call ahead of information on the hours of operation, parking, and entrance fees. Always keep your mobile phone with you and ware comfortable clothing and shoes.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Tips for Organizing Your Closet

My closet is always a mess this time of year. I love figuring out my new fall looks but I am still wearing my summer clothing! I turned to the ultimate organizer, Catherine Carr, owner of All In A Row. She offers great organizing services so call her up if you can't handle the project on your own. Here are a few of her helpful tips:

1. Start Small....

Organizing your entire closet can seem overwhelming so start with a small project instead. Catherine suggests starting with your purses for example. Discard or give away any that you don't like anymore, are in need of repair, or are out of style. Then take what is left and organize it in a way that makes sense to you - either put all day purses together and evening purses together or organize them color. This will allow you to easily access what you love and make you feel good about your outfits.

2. Change out of season items....

You don't want to be sorting through summer cotton dresses when what you really need is a cashmere sweater. Store out of season items on a top shelf or under the bed. That way, when you are trying to get ready in a hurry, you only see the items that are appropriate.

3. Properly store your out of season items....

If you take care of your clothes, they will last a long time. Use empty water bottles or pieces of cardboard to help your boots keep their shape in the summer when you are not wearing them. It is also very important for clothes to be able to breathe. Plastic, over time, can break down fabric, especially silk, cashmere, and natural fibers. Be sure to store those items in canvas bags. Cedar chips are a great way to keep yucky insects away from your clothing as well.

4. Be ruthless with your items....

If you have clothes in your closet that you don't like but feel like you spent too much money on them to let go, consign them! Clothes that don't fit, that were given to you, are broken and can't be repaired, etc are also great candidates for consignment. I take my things to The Revolving Closet on Grapevine's charming Main Street. You should only leave the items of clothing that make you feel good in your closet. If you have a nostalgic attachment to an item, store it away so that it is not taking up the space of the items that you need to access daily.

5. Streamline your hangers....

Your closet can look messy and jumbled when you use different hangers. I recently changed all of my hangers to Huggable Hangers and I love them! They are slim and the clothing does not fall off of the hangers because of the material they are made of. They come in so many colors. I promise you will love them! I had always wondered about them and when I saw them and touched them during my time at HSN in July, I was sold! Now that I have them in my closet, I am telling everyone how great they are!

6. Store your sweaters...

Sweaters are best stored on shelves or in hanging sweater containers. They will pull and stretch over time if you keep them on hangers. Also, cardboard crossbars from dry cleaners get sticky and leave a line on sweaters, pants, etc over time so be sure to get your clothes off dry cleaning hangers the day you bring them home.

7. Love your shoes...

Most of us have too many shoes! To make it easy to find what you need as you're running out the door, store out of season shoes on top shelves or under the bed. Then, gather all of your shoes on the same side of your closet, group like shoes together (tennis shoes on one level, heels on another, etc) and invest in clear plastic storage containers to keep your shoes clean and organized.

8. Hang like you dress...

Hanging your shirts on top and pants and skirts on the bottom will make it easier for you to get dressed. Don't separate your suits though! For quick choices in the mornings, get some "looks" together and hang them all on one hanger.

9. Add a top shelf to your closet...

Many closets have a lot of wasted space above the hanging bar. By adding a shelf, you create much needed storage for out of season clothes, suitcases or memorabilia.

10. Consign or Donate...

There are many consignment stores around that would love to take your gently used clothes, shoes, purses and jewelry. Set aside a bin or bag for your clothing that you want to take to the consignment shop and when the time is right, take them in. Most consignment stores take clothing seasonally so when you start to see fall clothing in the department stores, the consignment stores are looking for fall clothing too. I take my clothes to The Revolving Closet in Grapevine. All in a Row will take the hassle out of dropping gently-used clothing at consignment stores. Just give them a ring at 214-236-0855.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Home Office Organizing

My desk is a disaster today. I have been travelling a lot this summer and I let things pile up! I have also been really busy and I have not taken the time to keep it organized. I do have a great system in place though so I know it won't take me long to whip it back in shape! Here are few great tools that I learned about that will make it easy for me to clean my pile up! I hope they help you too!Every home office space needs a few key things in my opinion:

1. A happy space is a requirement for a home office. You simply will not ever spend time in your home office if it is dark and dreary. I set my desk up right by a window that looks out over a bird feeder that hangs in our back yard. My desk is not large and it is literally in a closet but I have such a lovely view! I like to be tucked away but some people like to be in the middle of all of the action, like the Kitchen for example, so that they can be a part of the family activity. It takes the edge off of paying the bills!
2. Everything needs it's own place in an office. I have boxes for catalogues and magazines as well as bills that need to be pay. I also have a box for everyone in my family and for things that need to go to the office. Justin's mail goes right into his box and he often makes a quick stop at my desk to grab his things. When I leave for my "real" office, I always grab whatever is in the box of papers that goes there! I really love my 31 day organizing box. It is my favorite thing in my office. I use it to sort invitations, bills that are due and paperwork that needs to be sent out. Pottery Barn makes a wonderful new one that does not have an outside edge. This is great because my papers often don't fit in the one on my desk. This option from Christopher Lowell is great because it has storage underneath. In addition to boxes, I have a simple little filing system. Always file alphabetically....you will never remember the color coded system that you set up when you are looking back for something.

3. I would not know what to do with out my bulletin board either. I stick everything that does not belong anywhere else on the board. I have photos, fabric samples, gift certificates and my son's schedule up there now. I also have some tear sheets from magazines of things that inspire me. If I put my gift certificates away in my wallet or in a file, I always forget about them so having them in plain sight is helpful.
4. If you are a "piler" like me then you will love these PileSmart clips. They have erasable labels on them so that you can stack and stack and still find what you need!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Back to School Safety on the Gene and Julie Show

I shared a few tips on returning to school safely on the Gene and Julie Show. Here is a quick re-cap:
Backpacks - Do not monogram your child's name on the backpack and avoid stickers on the back of your car that have your child's name on them. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children have a rolling backpack.
Internet and Computer - Always be in the room when your child is on the computer. Set a time limit for the time they can be on the computer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that it is no more than 2 hours a day.
Immunizations - North Texas Schools are using new immunization requirements for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year. Check with your pediatrician and review your child's immunization records and make sure they will be vaccinated according to the requirements.
Avoiding Illness and H1N1 - I checked in with my son's wonderful Pediatrician, Dr. Loc Trieu, to see what I could do to help keep him healthy as to goes to school this year. I love his tips!
-Remind your little one to cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze.
-Wash your hands with soap and water and use Alcohol-based cleansers.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
-If you are sick with a flu like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
-Check with your school nurse to see what the policies for public health are.
-Hydration is key for your children.
-Don't hesitate to visit with your physician to get updated info and treatment.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Go Green for Back to School

I have simple easy everyday tips for making a green return to school!
-Shop with your re-usable bags, not just at the grocery market, but at every store you go to. Keep some in your car at all times so that you never need to feel the guilt of throwing away extra sacs.
-By recycled products when you can. There is a lot of recycled paper and pencil options out there.
-Don't buy supplies that you already have. Use your leftovers from last year.
-Avoid disposable products wherever possible. The average American has 1000 lbs of trash a year! Invest in a re-usable lunch box and thermos instead of sending lunches to school in disposable bags.
-Walk or Bike to school if you can.
I love the pencil project featured at babycenter.com. It is such a fun and easy way to make use of your old cereal boxes! Follow the link below for step by step instructions.



Flower Pencil Top Project

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Back to School - Clothing Trends!

If you missed my The Gene & Julie show about Back to School Fashion Trends, you can see my tips here! I love some of the chic trends that are hitting the school yard this year! Here are a few of my favorites:
-Varsity Prep -
girls - Try a cute skirt with a navy blazer and saddle shoes.
boys - Harken back to the 50's with a varsity baseball jacket and a worn out baseball cap. Roll up jeans and wear white tennis shoes.
-Biker Punk -
girls - Black leather jacket, tights and doc marten style mixed with this year's hot print: Buffalo check
boys - Skinny jeans and converse are the way to go.
-White House Inspiration -
-girls - Classics with a twist. Pair a lovely floral print with a bright colored caridgan. Don't forget to belt the sweater!
-boys - Look Presidential in khakis and a navy blazer but give them a youthful edge by leaving out the tail of your oxford shirt and rolling up your pants to show your white tennis shoes.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Back to School - Lunch Box Ideas




You won't believe your eyes when you see these amazing Bento Boxes. Isn't the "Devil Wears Prada" one above hilarious! While I don't expect that many of you will send your kids to school with lunch boxes like this, I do love the idea of filling up a Bento Box for them. They not only make lunch a little more interesting but they also encourage kids to eat from a larger variety of food groups!

-Plastica has colorful and wonderful plastic Bento Boxes that are great to send with the kids to school or for after school snacks. They are sturdy but beautiful. They are $38 so they are better for older children who will be responsible enough to bring all of the pieces home!
-Lunchboxes.com features a wonderful Bento Box in primary colors for the kids that comes with a spoon and fork and even a container for dips or dressings.
-If your little one hates crust then you must invest $9.95 in William Sonoma's Sandwich Cutter. It comes with a sandwich box and will shave a few minutes of crust cutting off your morning routine!
-Don't forget to pack a note! You could simply write one yourself or print off these adorable pre-made notes from Activity Village! There are also many tear out books of pre-made notes out there. I like Lot's of Hugs in a Lunchbox by Joy Stevans.
-And if you are worried that they are skipping over their veggie servings at lunch you can sneak them in using tips from Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious! A few of her recipes can be found on Oprah.com!

Lunch Box Ideas coming up on Gene & Julie 103.7 Lite FM!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Back to School with Gene and Julie on 103.7 Lite FM

Today was my first day on the Gene and Julie Show on 103.7 Lite FM. It was a blast! Gene and Julie are the best! They are so kind and cheerful...just like they sound every morning on the air.
This week is going to be all about Back to School. I can't believe that it is that time again! Did you know that the average American spends $84 on the no-frills supplies needed for school! When I heard that I knew that there must be a few ways to save a bit this year. Here are a few of my tips....
-If possible, wait for school to start before shopping. You may not have the selection you hoped for but most items will be on sale or deeply discounted.
-This is tax free weekend in Texas! Take advantage of it when buying school supplies! There is more info at www.window.state.tx.us.
-There are items out there for a penny! Really! Office Max has spiral notebooks for a penny and office depot has 12" wooden rulers and pocket folders! There are a lot of great specials like this so make the rounds and take advantage of all of them.
-Don't forget to sign up for the point/perk programs. Many teachers will ask for even more school supplies over the winter break and you will be grateful for your point discounts!
Happy Studies!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Needlepoint News



If you read this blog on a regular basis then you know that I am still struggling to finish the needlepoint on my son's Christmas Stocking after almost a year and a half! It was my first foray into needlepoint with the exception of a few small projects my grandmother taught me on as a little girl. I didn't get myself into this situation on purpose though! I bought the stocking for my grandmother to make for my baby boy and she decided that it was just too much for her right now because she was working on two different quilts for her Church Benefit. She was very excited to teach me to do it though! The pressure is really on because she keeps asking me how it is going! All of this is to say that I should have started with a more reasonable project. Something a bit more manageable might have encouraged me instead of frustrated me! I am now anxious to get the stocking done so that I can move on to the fun and fashionable projects by AMH Designs. Their adorable journals and photo albums are small and manageable. What great gifts! You can order the kits or spend a bit more and get some that are already completed with your favorite friends initials or lucky number! Check out their site for more all of the options.




I also adore their tool bracelet. I need one as I am always looking for my needle threader and scissors!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Stylish Sudoku




If you are as addicted to Sudoku and crossword puzzles as I am then these Pocket Posh books are for you! I like to do a puzzle before I fall asleep and these will actually be an attractive addition to my bed side table. You can pick from Crosswords, Sudoku, Logic Puzzles, Word Search Games, and Hangman! They are 4x6 inches and perfect for your pocketbook as well. I think they are a great addition to a guest room or a bon voyage gift basket too!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Traditional Home

For a sneak peek into our home, check out this cover of the 20th Anniversary September issue of Traditional Home. We are honored to have our dining room on the cover and even more images inside. Let me know what you think and send me photos of your dining rooms!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Drinks with Dash


I love serving a signature drink at my soirees. It isn't always easy to come up with the appropriate refreshment but with the help of Louise Pickford's new book, Cool Drinks for Hot Days, you will always have the perfect recipe! There are all sorts of twists on the classic Iced Tea as well as festive and colorful drinks that are sure to please any guest. The photography is beautiful and will inspire you to serve your specialty with flare.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Silver Botanicals


I am just crazy about the collection that Lunt Silversmiths has made in partnership with the New York Botanical Garden. Both institutions have been around for over 100 years and I am thrilled that they took the time to explore the archives and bring these designs to life again. My favorite pieces are the Chinois Stainless Inlay Flatware










and the Silverplated Lattice Rimmed Charger. Order yours today!

 

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