Archive for August, 2009

31.08.2009
The Reassurance of a Security Blanket

Adults often vow to “learn something new each day” in an effort to enrich their lives through education. For babies, it’s not unusual to learn dozens or even hundreds of new things in a single day, which can be an exhausting enterprise. The world is full of unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells and textures, all of which vie for a child’s undivided attention. Stimulus overload is not uncommon, and a baby’s natural way of coping with it is to focus on the aspects of daily life that remain predictable.

A baby blanket acts as the child’s link to the comfort and stability of his bed. At the end of the day, when all of the external stimulus has vanished for a few hours, the blanket is still there to provide reassurance. Most kids grow out of their habit of walking around with a security blanket in a matter of months. But for one incredibly important stretch early in development, baby and blanket remain inseparable.



Repetition Used in Design

Author: homedecorbylulu
27.08.2009

black small ceramic vasesIn design you cannot have repetition without variation. Repetition without variation can become dull. Here are some examples on how to use repetition:

1.Repeat color in varied elements. A room can be completely successful and only be one color. The trick is to change the texture and patterns of fabrics, use different shades of a color in accents or faux finishes.
2.Use various different plants with different textures and colors in the foliage.
3.Use repetition in accessories. Line three small ceramic vases that are different styles down on your fireplace or dining table and finish them off with the same flower in each.
4.If you love candles, use three ivory candles on a tray, but three different sizes.



19.08.2009
Beautiful, Practical Arrangements

It’s always nice to have fresh flowers in the home, as they are bright, cheerful and inviting. However, it’s not always practical to buy and display them weekly. Fresh arrangements can be expensive after a while, and they must be watered, trimmed and cleaned up when they’re no longer attractive. This is fine if you have a lot of money to spare or a maid to do the dirty work for you, but others may be attracted to a more practical option for displaying flowers.

You can achieve the same look with artificial flowers, which never die and need little maintenance aside from a light dusting every once in a while. They’re especially great to use for large, dramatic arrangements, which would be completely impractical to put together with real flowers. Some artificial flowers are made with wood, which can be carved and crafted into very lifelike flowers. Be sure to choose eco-friendly flowers that are made from sustainable materials.



Decorating for Summer

Author: homedecorbylulu
16.08.2009

decorative throw pillowBudget seasonal renovation can be very exciting and relaxing. Summer decoration helps you create a cool summer home and at the same time lends you a golden opportunity to show your creativity. Give an eye soothing effect to your home this summer. It’s an interplay of colors and fabrics that can change the very look of your house.

Avoid patchy look as it brings warmth. Maintain fewer items in your room, as it will make your room look bigger. Wooden lampshades are a no for summers. To beat the summer heat, give a natural appearance by using varied types of plants and flowers. Flowers can be a good theme in summers.

Try out different light colors like baby pink, sky blue etc. If you want bright shades then opt for their pastel shades or else go in for neutrals. Brass items should be replaced with clear glass. Give different cool flooring styles. Wooden or Bamboo flooring needs to be changed. The best way is to go in for bare floors.

Wall paint is the most prominent when someone enters the room. So, give your wall a refreshing feel. You can try out some light wall colors like beige, fawn and light pink etc. If you’ve got your walls painted in the last season only, then you can try out different simple designs in wallpapers. Don’t hang too many things on the wall. You can use one or two walls for hanging beautiful sceneries.

Keep the windows open for the cool airy effect and remove all dark bright colored stuff. Check out some light cool fabric bed sheets, pillow cases and decorative accent pillows. Place the furniture against the wall. It gives a bigger and a cozier look. So, this season give your house a makeover and see it will also enlighten your mood and bring magic to your life.



Martini Recipe

Author: homedecorbylulu
12.08.2009

romanian hand blown martini glassesHere is a great martini recipe that I enjoyed this summer. This awesome summer drink recipe is just one of the few that I love and highly suggest trying. We will love it, if you share with us your favorite drink.

This is what you will need:
1½ oz Vodka
½ oz Triple Sec
½ oz Vermouth
4oz Cranberry Juice
Ice
Martini Shaker
Large Martini Glasses
Garnish with cranberries



Ways to Perk-Up Your Kitchen

Author: homedecorbylulu
07.08.2009

hand blown and hand painted glass flutes1. Invest in a set of handmade and colorful cereal bowls.
2. Granny Smith apples are a pretty countertop accent.
3. Treat yourself to a fresh set of dishtowels.
4. Display a vintage dishware collection on open shelves.
5. Dress the windowsill with two or three pots of moss or herbs.
6. Install energy-efficient under cabinet lighting.
7. Use hand blown glass flutes for your orange juice in the morning.
8. A potted orchid in a white ceramic pot is an accessory that lasts longer than fresh cut stems.
9. Install a new faucet.
10. Use a tray by the stove to store cooking essentials. It will keep everything exactly where you need it.
11. Treat yourself with a new set of canisters.
12. Say no to paper napkins and switch to a colorful fabric set.
13. Banish old knobs in favour of new ones.
14. Display a pineapple when you are expecting guests. It is the symbol of welcome.
15. Make a pretty message board by placing fabric or decorative paper behind the glass of a large frame. Then use a dry-erase marker to write on the front.
16. Install a plate rack. Use it to display a collection of platters or cookbooks.
17. Keep utensils contained and at the ready in a plain white pitcher, it goes with any kitchen.
18. The next time you buy groceries, bring home fresh flowers for the kitchen table.
19. Display dish soap in a pretty container.
These are a few ideas of how to spruce up your kitchen décor.



A Special Glass and Gift

Author: Lulu-ation
05.08.2009
A Special Glass and Gift

Any wine enthusiast has a favorite wine glass to drink from. Maybe it’s a glass he picked up while visiting a beautiful winery, a glass leftover from a fun tasting, or a glass he received as a gift. In any case, he won’t want anyone else to drink from that glass, so he should be sure to have some nice wine glasses on hand for when he has company. Fellow wine enthusiasts have seen every type of wine glass out there, so he’ll really want to find some glasses that will impress his friends.

A guaranteed way to impress guests is with hand painted wine glasses. You can find hand painted wine glasses in a variety of styles and designs, and they’re sure to be conversation starters. You can buy different colored glasses so each guest which one is his, and you can even give them away as party favors or wedding favors if you’re feeling generous. Be sure to hand wash your hand painted glasses with gentle soap only!