Category Archives: Seasonal

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Bring on the Topiary

I love topiaries and anyone who has been to my home or office would agree as I incorporate them anywhere I can. I like to use these little perfect trees as bathroom decor, welcome plants in the foyer and as accents throughout the house. My favorite type of topiary is the button leaf. The lacy leaves are light and dark giving a lot of texture and definition. The delicate leaves are tiny in nature and very unassuming and combined into the topiary look, makes them ideal.

Topiaries Millet three 8-05

You can get real or fake topiaries, it really comes down to your green thumb ability and the amount of time you have to dedicate to your plants. I like to use some fake ones and sprinkle in real ones in key areas that get more traffic and attention. Grouping topiaries together into threes in varying heights is a great way to use them. You can also use different shapes to bring it all together. Check overstock.com for good deals on fake topiaries.

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Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Idea | Mariana Jewelry

Mariana Pendant - N-5212-001SPIf you didn’t know, this Sunday May 12 is Mother’s Day! If you haven’t already it’s time to get Mom a last minute gift. My Mom is hard to read and I don’t ever know what to get her. She loves to garden, read, and relax outdoors. But, rather than getting my Mom the typical bouquet of flowers and a book, I’m taking a different approach this year.

This year I’m getting my Mom Mariana Jewelry. She isn’t one to go out and purchase anything large for herself, she doesn’t think it’s necessary. I think she deserves to be spoiled every once in awhile but I know it won’t happen unless someone else does the spoiling. Along with the jewelry we are going to grab some flower from the local greenhouse, cute planters and get our garden gloves on to plant them. My Mom is going to be shocked when she sees the necklace we are getting her! I just ordered it, check it out !

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Spring Break Vacation Requires Waxing in Huntington Beach

It’s about that time of the year, Spring Break! Although I’m no longer in college, I still like to “pretend” I am by going on a yearly spring break trip. In attempt to avoid popular spring break vacation spots that I know will be filled with drunk college students, I have called my resort in advance to know how many students will be staying there. To my surprise not many!

So what’s a girl need to prepare before the big vacation? Number one on my list, hitting the gym! There is nothing more rewarding than working my butt off in the gym and feeling confident in my string bikini on the beach. Next on the list, purchase a few clothing items. I never go out of control purchasing a whole new wardrobe, but it’s always nice to wear some new things while spoiling myself on vacation. I wait until the week before vacation to color my hair, get a mani/pedi and drag my butt in for waxing in Huntington Beach. It’s painful but oh so worth it! Next on the list? Get a nice large cocktail at the airport and wait till I reach paradise !

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New Year Design Resolutions

When the new year rolls around, designers like to start with a clean slate. I know my project boards always get a clean out and update session getting rid of any projects that were dead on arrival and making room for new projects.

I like to work with real design boards in my office where I can attach fabric swatches and paint colors. Pinterest is good to keep ideas on the go, but I have to touch and feel my inspirations on a daily basis.

design board

The best way to work with design boards to have a few running boards that can work for any project that comes along where you add things that you like or things you know clients would like regardless of taste. Then get project specific and have a board for each project you are working on no matter how big or small the project may be, this will help keep your ideas in one place and keep a theme running.

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How to Dress for Holiday Parties

If you like most women, finding the right outfits for holiday parties is one of the best parts of the holiday season, next to baking and opening presents. But shopping for cocktail or formal dresses is so much fun when you can simply pick a dress based on your style.

formal-dress

Unlike weddings, holiday parties provide the opportunity for anything goes, giving you total freedom in your selection of formal wear. You can choose from a stylish little black cocktail dress or a glamorous evening gown. I love how winter fabrics are automatically elegant. From smooth satins to soft velvets, many of my favorite dresses I’ve worn over the years to holiday parties are a mix of satin and velvet. And the best part is, I can pull out my black gloves, white pearls and sassy red shoes and my holiday outfit is complete.

So, as you prepare for the holiday soirees in your near future, think about which type of dresses best suit you and accessorize with all that is festive. You can even add a little mistletoe to a barrette and inspire all the magic that the holidays bring.