Enjoy some options for spicing up your kitchen counter. Fast, easy, economical.

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Design Space is Important

Have you ever witnessed a design pro move a piece of furniture an inch left or right and thought…”why”? Space is an important element of design. The grouping of pictures reflects positive and negative space correctly.

Space is the area provided for a particular purpose. It can be two dimensional (length and width), such as a floor, or it perhaps have three dimensions (length, width, and height). Space encompasses the background, foreground and middle ground. The element of Space refers to the distances or areas around, between or within components of a piece.

There are two types of Space: positive and negative space. Positive space refers to the space that is being occupied. Negative space refers to the space around and between the subject matter (meaning nothing is occupying the space). Negative space is important. If the proper amount of negative space is not allotted, the overall look and feel of the decorated space or room could be compromised and would seem “off” and take away from the intended beauty of the decorated area. Find more tips via my tweets under redecorating.

Enjoy your space! Rena

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Add Some Color to Warm Up Winter

At first thought, winter might not conjure up words like spicy, bold or sunny. It should, though, at least when it comes to the inside of your home. While it might be gray and dreary outside, infusing color into interior decor is one of the quickest ways to create a cozy, inviting living area. And winter is the ideal time to do it.

Adding a shot of color to a space can be done quickly, but it can sometimes be confusing. In fact, mastering the ins and outs of decorating with color can be downright daunting. "Although people love the idea of incorporating color into their homes, mixing and matching colors, patterns and textures can be an intimidating and overwhelming process," says Donna Schroeder, color marketing and design manager for Martin-Senour Paints. "Whether it's wall paint, new furniture or accessories, consumers might not have the confidence to step outside of their 'color comfort zone' and experiment with shades they might not normally gravitate toward."
So, how do you break out of that "color comfort zone?" You can start by using available color tools such as those found in Martin-Senour's color selector. Not just about wall color, it offers unique tools designed to help you balance the entirety of a home's interior design as well as room-to-room balance and flow. From wall color to room accents, the color selector is a resource for complete home design.

Having a basic understanding of color and knowing what emotions different colors can evoke also helps. So, if you're thinking about warming up your home this winter and are contemplating using a paint color that you've always wanted to try, but weren't sure how or where to use it, these tips can help steer you in the right direction:

Red
As the strongest color in the spectrum, red has the greatest emotional impact. Depending on the hue and shade, red resonates with passion, romance, energy and courage. In recent years, it's become a popular color choice for dining room walls, but the drama of red is also ideal for entryways, living rooms and even bathrooms. The color combination of red with neutrals, such as tans and browns, results in warmth that is certain to carry you through those cold months.

Orange
Orange has evolved throughout the years; think terracotta and copper tones. It enlivens any space and can easily take center stage as a primary wall color, or as an accent color to give a refreshed decor a bit of much-needed punch. When paired with blues or purples, a spicier orange can be very powerful. For a more subdued effect, combine it with warmer colors like reds and deep, welcoming greens.

Yellow
There is no better color to radiate warmth in your home than yellow, but don't underestimate the intensity of this color. Bright, strong yellows on walls are almost always best saved for an area like the kitchen because they are said to increase attentiveness and have "wake up" qualities.

Creamier yellows - think the paleness of fresh butter - are popular in living rooms and can even translate well into bedrooms when joined with a classic red or blue.

Purple Purples have a powerful connection with our spiritual and introspective side. Because purple has varying degrees of red and blue in it, it's easily paired with many complementary colors such as yellow, orange and softer greens. When slightly redder, purple can be vivacious and exciting; when slightly bluer it can be restful. If you're using purple for a room, decide whether the room is designed to entice drama, as with an eggplant-hued purple, or cast an air of relaxation and reflection, as found in a hydrangea shade.

Red, orange, yellow or purple, no matter what color you decide to use to help shut out those dark, chilly winter days, keep in mind that all colors can evoke powerful effects in any room.
Understanding the basic building blocks of color can help you harness that power and create the stunning color schemes you've always wanted.

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Organizing Kid's Spaces

Here are 5 quick tips to help keep your child's space organized:

1. Size matters: Make sure your child is the master of his/her domain and is able to reach the areas that will help him/her keep their room clean. Place a secure foot stool in the space so he/she can use it to hang up clothes, return books to shelves, etc. Just make sure your child is old enough to use the foot stool unsupervised.
2. Dual Duty Furniture: Purchase items that can function as storage like ottomons, cubes, etc.
3. In & out Rule: Sit down with your child and negotiate a rule where if they acquire a new toy they also donate an old one.
4. Quick & Easy: Use command hooks that can hold up to 5 lbs to make hanging up clothes, coats, hats, back packs quick and easy for your child. Position the hooks within their reach and move them as your child grows.
5. Lead by Example: Keep your own room clean as well as other areas of the home.

For more tips on decorating children's spaces, listen to my show with Victoria Pericon, the Savvy Mommy, at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/redecoratingbyrena (scroll down & click previous episodes to locate the show). Or click my name above on the right. Enjoy your space, Rena Bullard

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Got boxes? Tips to stay sane while packing and unpacking for a big move with kids!

Moving boxes, I have a love-hate relationship with them. I HATE them because they take forever to load and unpack are often at a time of upheaval in your life. I LOVE them because they provide hours of entertainment for the kids while Mamasita diligently tries to get life back in some sense of order. So, if you’ve got kids, here are some tips to keep your sanity. Save the boxes, after you move. I repeat, save the boxes! They help entertain your children while you put all your belongings in your new home. What can you do with the boxes you say? Well here are just a few crazy ideas I came up with for our two boys.

1. If You Build It, They Will Play. Save the big boxes to make a castle or fort. Of course most of you have seen this or done it before. But take it two steps further. You can use a razor knife to cut out windows and a door for the kids. Give the kids stickers, markers, crayons, etc. to decorate. Draw flowers, add faux flowers, etc. Let them go to town! Speaking of town…Make a whole town! Post Office, Fire Department, etc. The opportunities are endless. It may take you a little time to help build the initial foundation, but it is so worth it!

2. I like to Move It, Move It. Medium sized ones are great for making cars or trains. You can add a steering wheel to the car buy using a paper or plastic plate. Cut a small hole in the center, get rope and put through the hole. Tie a knot so the rope won’t slip back through. Make another hole in the box where you want the steering wheel to go. Put the other end of the rope through that hole to the outside of the box. Tie another knot leaving about an inch or two of slack in between so the wheel can move. Glue four plates on for wheels and again decorate. You can do the same for the train with the wheels and decorations. But how the heck does one drive a train? Not sure, is it a steering wheel? Lever? I think a lever. Maybe try an empty paper towel holder for a lever. Follow the same process as the steering wheel but I would use less slack so it is not as loose, but you still want to move. Another option for the steering wheel and lever is to use a nut and bolt to attach them if you have some spare ones on hand. Just make sure they move. Action and movement are good, it entertains longer.

3. Chalk It Up for Some Fun! Cut up the big/long boxes and lay them flat. Give the kids some chalk. For some reason, it is more entertaining to use chalk on the cardboard than a chalkboard or sidewalk. Who knew?

4. Snap, Crackle, Pop. Popping paper is a dream for regular ‘ole popping. It seems like everything is a “race” in my house. Have them race to see who can pop it all first. Or, lay some larger pieces on the ground and you can have them ride their bike or tricycle over it. They think it is the coolest thing since sliced bread.

5. “What’s in the box, what’s in the box, we gotta find out what’s in the box!” (I will give a prize to the first person who comments and tells me where that song is from! Seriously!) You need at least two children to play (or you can join in if you want a time-out from all the unpacking)! Have one person look around the room and memorize what is there. Next have them close their eyes. The second person removes an item from the room and puts it in the box. Have the person open their eyes and try to guess what is in the box. You can give clues if they can’t guess. A great memory game.

6. Free Labor. That sounds awful I should be more P.C. and say “Lend a Hand”. Give them a box to help pack. Kids love to help! Some kid friendly items to let them pack: Plastic Tupperware is good and can’t be broken. Kitchen utensils, minus anything sharp. Off season clothes -just be prepared for some extra wrinkles when you take them out! Stuffed animals, towels, etc.

7. Going Postal. My kids played this one for hours. Get a box big enough for your child to fit in. Have one child get in the box and close the top. The other child pretends they just got home to find a great big package waiting for them. My kids said “A package for me? Hmmm, I wonder what could be in this box!?” They open the top and the other child jumps up and yells “SURPRISE!” I know it seems so superficial but I seriously can’t count how many times they took turns doing it.

8. Hide and Seek. Get a number of different boxes. Have the tops open and place them upside down with the opening on the floor. You need two players. Have one kid close their eyes and count to 20. Have the other child hide under one of the boxes. The first child opens their eyes and tries to guess which one they are in. They lift the boxes to check each one. If boxes are too big to lift, you can have them upright and just close all the tops, the seeker just opens the lids to find them. Either way, find them and yell “SURPRISE!” Yes, yelling makes it more fun.

9. We’re Going on a Color Hunt. You will need 5 small boxes. Get a red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple crayon or marker. Have them decorate one box with the red marker/crayon, the next box with the blue, etc. Next have each of them go on a hunt for “X” # of items that are red, then blue, then green, etc. Do one color at a time. Put the red items in the red box, the blue in the blue, etc. And, pick up isn’t so bad because can each pick one color at a time, carry the box with them as they put the items back where they found them.

So, if you are moving, I feel your pain! It is such a huge undertaking and even more so when you have small children to entertain. I hope a couple of these games help to put a smile on both you and your childrens faces and make the whole process a little less stressful. Good luck!

Happy packing and playing,


~MB
www.addressingspaces.com
Bringing new life to your decor and more
Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

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Give the Gift of Time this Christmas

We all know that there isn't enough time in the day, and wouldn't it be nice to have a little extra time on our hands. That isn't always possible, but one way you can give someone the gift of time is through a stunning timepiece.

Time can come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, styles... from titanium watches to decorative wall clocks, each offers a stunning way to keep time and give time... both in one neat, timely package.

As the holiday season approaches, it's hard enough to find time to get everything done. From shopping, to wrapping, to cooking, to... well, everything else you have to do in the busiest time of the year. Having some extra time on your hands would be nice, but not always practical.

So what a better gift than some extra time! Consider wrapping in some "free time" certificates with the watch or clock, telling the person on your gift list that you'll take the chores, or the kids, for a few hours and let them enjoy some free time... which they can count on their new watch!

They will surely be grateful for the time off, as well as the beautiful timepiece that they can treasure for years to come!


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EAGLE GIFTS - Unique Gifts for Unique People

People have passions, and it is great to be able to find a gift that helps support that passion. Whether it be poker or fishing, or just a love of dogs, cows or roosters, finding the perfect themed gift can often be difficult.

For those who LOVE all things Eagles, here are some eagle-themed gift ideas that are sure to inspire!

Browse All Eagle Gifts

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The Fine Art of Where You Live

At Art & Home, we have customers from across the country and around the world. We love hearing about different places, different cities and different lifestyles. Recently, we came across some information on a picturesque spot known as Wilmington, North Carolina.

The cities and towns surrounding Wilmington, North Carolina seem to provide an exciting lifestyle with all the amenities of coastal living in a city area with small town southern hospitality. Diverse cultural and recreational opportunities. Plus, as winter in the colder Northern states approaches, the very appealing concept of a temperate climate.

Out of curiosity, I took a look at a Wilmington NC real estate site, and there seemed to be quite a few cute homes for under $100,000, but also some impressive homes that exceeded the $1 Million... but the media home price seems to be in the $199,000 range, not bad for a place that was recently voted as one of the top places to live in the U.S.

The site I checked let you search for homes by map, subdivision, property type, MLS number or zip code. But I couldn't get many details about the homes themselves without registering for an account, so I didn't dig too deeply.

However, I will definitely add Wilmington to me "places to checkout out if I'm thinking of moving" list.


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A Cool Find on Men's Valet Stands!

For those looking for a gift for Dad, have you considered a mens valet? Practical, for busy Dads, and affordable (with models starting at just over $54). The online store has over 16 valet stand models to choose from, shipped direct from warehouse.

These types of valet stands are great for keeping clothes clean and organized. Dad’s can either layout their day’s clothes early on them so that they don’t get wrinkled, or can place them on the stand at night… if they’re too tired to deal with them right away, but don’t want them to end up in a wrinkled ball.

The chair valet is constructed of solid lotus hardwood, similar to maple wood. The same hardwood use in manufacturing some lines of police batons and martial arts equipment. For more information on the clothes valet, visit http://www.suitstand.com/

Their shopping policies are as follows:

Shipping: Most items ship same day. Tracking numbers will be sent via email within 24 hours.

Return Policy: At the time of this post, the site states that you have 21 days from delivery to return your purchase if not 100% satisfied.

The site also offers a low price guarantee, with details posted on the site regarding the terms and conditions.

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COWBOY GIFTS - Unique Gifts for Unique People

People have passions, and it is great to be able to find a gift that helps support that passion. Whether it be poker or fishing, or just a love of dogs, cows or roosters, finding the perfect themed gift can often be difficult.

For those who LOVE all things Cowboy & Western, here are some cowboy-themed gift ideas that are sure to inspire!

Browse All Cowboy Gifts

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ROOSTER GIFTS - Unique Gifts for Unique People

People have passions, and it is great to be able to find a gift that helps support that passion. Whether it be poker or fishing, or just a love of dogs, cows or roosters, finding the perfect themed gift can often be difficult.


For those who LOVE all things Roosters, here are some rooster-themed gift ideas that are sure to inspire!

BROWSE ALL ROOSTER GIFT IDEAS

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LIGHTHOUSE GIFTS - Unique Gifts for Unique People

People have passions, and it is great to be able to find a gift that helps support that passion. Whether it be poker or fishing, or just a love of dogs, cows or roosters, finding the perfect themed gift can often be difficult.



For those who LOVE all things Lighthouses, here are some lighthouse-themed gift ideas that are sure to inspire!

Browse All Lighthouse Gifts

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HORSE GIFTS - Unique Gifts for Unique People

People have passions, and it is great to be able to find a gift that helps support that passion. Whether it be poker or fishing, or just a love of dogs, cows or roosters, finding the perfect themed gift can often be difficult.

For those who LOVE all things Horses, here are some horse-themed gift ideas that are sure to inspire!

BROWSE ALL HORSE RELATED GIFT IDEAS

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FISHY GIFTS - Unique Gifts for Unique People

People have passions, and it is great to be able to find a gift that helps support that passion. Whether it be poker or fishing, or just a love of dogs, cows or roosters, finding the perfect themed gift can often be difficult.

For those who LOVE all things Fish or Fishing related, here are some fish-themed gift ideas that are sure to inspire!

BROWSE ALL FISH THEMED GIFT IDEAS

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State Pride Makes a Unique Christmas Gift!

Celebrate their state with these unique Tapestry Floor Pillows.

Available in a variety of U.S. states, these pillows make a unique - and comfortable - gift for those who wish to show off their civic pride.

Although not every state, coast to coast, is available, many are proudly represented, including California, Florida, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri and many more.

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