DIY- In Progress

I am currently doing a lot of little projects through my own home and thought I would share this painting project. My Little One is growing up and no longer wants raspberry sherbert with crayon orange polka dots on her walls! The new color is Whisper Yellow from Behr- and it only took 2 primer coats and 2 topcoats to cover! Very modern and sleek, and we will be accessorizing with hot pink and orange- at least for the next month or two! I will share the finished project soon, this is just the work In Progress!
Before the painting...


During the re-do...



Final project coming soon!

Autumn Abundance- Decorate for the Seasons

This is an article that I wrote- posted to Ezine Articles. Bring a bit of Autumn into your decorating this season!

Autumn Abundance- Decorate for the Seasons

The children are back in school and the leaves are changing colors- it must be autumn. This is the perfect time to welcome the season with some new décor ideas. No need to spend hours or huge dollars to achieve a great autumn look in your space. Enjoy the crisp air and take a cue in your decorating from nature and the outdoors. Bring in the fall leaves, gourds, and pumpkins with these decorating ideas!

1. Think Abundance! Autumn is all about pumpkins, gourds, apples, wheat, and colorful vegetables. Scout out the local farmer’s market and start decorating. Fill to overflowing a large basket or bowl with your fall bounty and use that as your centerpiece. Tablescape on a grand scale with pumpkins, wheat and other fall favorites.

2. Switch the pillows! Put the summer pillows and linens away. Reach for rich autumnal colors and interesting textures. Treat yourself to a new throw with great texture in chocolate brown, rust, or orange. Orange pillows instantly brighten a spot, and orange is the “IT” color this fall.

3. Turn the lights down! Group candles on a tray on your dining or coffee table. Again, think abundance and use a lot of candles- vary the height and size, but keep the color the same for maximum impact.

4. Inspired Art! Change the artwork in your living space. Hang a textural wreath where a picture was, or take photos for a black/white display that shows off your creative side.

5. Bring the branches in! Fill a vase, urn, or terra cotta pot with branches from your fall garden clean-up. They will look very sculptural in the foyer or on your fireplace hearth.

6. Don’t forget the fireplace! Place birch logs in your fireplace when it’s not in use. Or group those candles again, within the fireplace and set the mood.

7. Bake something! Nothing says autumn like the smell of comfort food and spices. The smell of cinnamon and spices, even if its cheating with a pre-bought pie placed in the oven, makes everything cozy and warm.

8. Paint your front door! Add instant curb appeal when you paint your entry door. A rich color will freshen up tired landscaping, and usher in the fall season.

9. Plant those mums! Splurge on some new fall plantings in great colors. Group them all together in terra cotta pots for maximum effect and more cost effective.

10. Wash the windows! This tip is seasonless. Nothing says “I take great joy in my home” more than clean windows. A little elbow grease goes a long way!

Enjoy the autumn season- take long walks, collect leaves, carve pumpkins, sip cider, and marvel at the beauty of nature. Open up your home to nature’s seasonal bounty and start decorating! In this season, more is definitely better- so decorate with fun abandon!

Autumn Basket

Need a fun, quick centerpiece? Grab a large basket and let's get started!

This basket is overflowing with items that scream FALL! Raffia and grapevine pumpkins add a splash of color and texture- go ahead and use real ones if they are available. Large pinecones add texture. Seed balls give us a great shape and feel. And finally, a bit of sparkle with a wire garland in bronze. Layer on the pretty linens and your table is set! The added bonus- this is a very light weight arrangement, so it can be taken off and moved with ease!

DIY project in minutes- what are you waiting for?

Helpful tip: Go overboard and fill the large basket with plenty of items- this is the season of abundance, after all!

Domino Magazine- October Issue

Okay- it's Sunday evening, and I had plans to watch football and leisurely look through the latest edition of Domino that I got yesterday. Well, I have not even made it past page 50 "scouting" and feel the need to share some great ideas! I cannot wait to look through the rest of the magazine tonight!

Love the idea of a cylinder vase holding extra toilet tissue!

How about 5 easy steps to an organized pantry? Everyone can do this!

What else is in this issue? I am signing off, grabbing a glass of wine, and enjoying thoroughly.

Have a great Monday morning everyone!

FlowerGirlz- Our Etsy Shop

Happy Tuesday morning!

We have been very busy this Labor Day weekend at GirlzDecorate. We opened an Etsy shop called FlowerGirlz!

I am very excited to announce FlowerGirlz, since it was a collaborative effort in my family. The best husband in the world is the technical side of it, and the creative side is the women in my life. My mom is the artist, I am the floral decor, and my daughter will soon be showing her creative touches as well! All of us love anything botanical and in nature, so that is the reoccurring theme in our wares. I will be posting a permanent link on the site (hopefully tonight), but you can check us out right now through this link!


Enjoy browsing, and we would love feedback- as well as purchases!

New from Domino

Good Monday Morning,

While reading my new Domino magazine this weekend, I came across a new feature that they are offering. It's called the Deco File and is "an online inspiration board that lets you organize all your decorating ideas and images in one paperless space".

Wow- you need to only register and then you can save pictures, create albums, and share your albums with friends via your blog... Sounds like a plan to me! Another great way to reduce clutter, and as always, Domino is right on top of trends AGAIN!

Register for your new "My Deco File" from Domino here. Let me know how its working for you- I think I will be starting mine this weekend...

Happy thoughts, and get to work on that new decorating file!

Craft Room- Revisited

After spending yesterday afternoon, wading through my daughter's bedroom (a Back-To-School ritual for us), I needed a bit of a design break! Realizing that my craft room is on hold in our vacation place, but desperately needed after seeing my daughter's room, I did a little digging through some organizing sites. I have found some favorites, and now just need to place them in the room- at least in my mind and on paper!

Just an FYI- we are messy crafters and need lots of stuff and places to put the stuff! I tend to look right away at children's play areas- after all, we are "playing"!

From Pottery Barn Kids:
Flexi Wall System




I love the orange of the storage units and the versatility that comes with this unit.

From The Container Store:
The Elfa System


Elfa will probably be the system that I use- it's versatility, storage and drawer units will work for us. Although- I am drawn to the looks of the Pottery Barn one! So many choices, and so much time to deliberate!

Are there any great storage/craft systems out there that you want to share. I am open to any and all to keep my clutter under control!

Laundry Room Inspiration

Since the craft room was put on hold, I have been looking into other rooms in the house. The most important to me is the laundry/mudroom. I have found inspiration courtesy of Country Living magazine. This easy, breezy entry is exactly what is called for in the vacation home. Plenty of storage for cute beach bags, umbrellas, backpacks, etc. I think by keeping it open, my family will keep it neat- at least, I have my fingers crossed on that one! Instead of the blue walls, I would do a fresh green, like Gleeful or Springtime from Sherwin Williams. My husband has banished green from our second home, so I have to sneak it in somewhere!



Here's to easy living in a refreshing summer style!

Original Art I

While the craft room is being used, instead of designed, my creative family has been hard at work! Grandma is the artist, and my Little One is an aspiring artist so I thought I would share a project. I also paint- the laundry room is now a shiny bright white called Sea Salt from Behr!





Palm trees painted by Grandma.


Mexican Plates that I purchased in Mexico.

Pineapple painted by my Little One(10 years old- amazing!)

Craft Room- First Edition

Here is my very exciting, unfinished 9x10 craft room/guest bedroom! Since we are on vacation, my Little One has decided it is much more fun to make crafts than to organize a room so this project will need that year to do! I am putting my thinking cap on, and really want to make this room functional and full of storage space! Check back for updates... or maybe just pictures of the gorgeous beaches that we have been lounging on!

IKEA Shopping Trip

It's raining, it's pouring- the perfect day to visit my favorite big box store- IKEA!

From storage solutions to creative merchandising and design, if Ikea does not sell it, you probably do not need it! European influence and a modern look gives Ikea their own look. Clever design makes ordinary pieces stand out and work in most spaces. Even everyday objects are given a twist to make them less mainstream. Of course, you also cannot go wrong with Ikea prices. I admit- what I really like- are their awesome escalators for your shopping carts! They transport your goods right next to you on their own escalator line- great idea!

Check it out!

Miscellaneus finds and creative displays:

Ikea carries a great selection of funky fabrics and rugs as well as furniture, bedding, kitchen needs, lighting, and accessories. Seasonal items are also available- right now its a bit more garden settings than at other times of the year.

Office and creative outlets:
Storage, storage, storage! Also some great funky to useful office chairs and desks.

Bedrooms and closet solutions:

Small space, large space- you can still have a closet according to Ikea.

Kitchens and in-store restaurant:

Ikea is known for creative kitchen solutions. They also carry a wide variety of china, utensils, and kitchen accessories.

Living spaces:

Build the bookshelf of your dreams- this one was about 25 feet high!

Favorite Shades of Yellow

The buzz of bumblebees, sunny days without clouds, fragrant lemons, and friendly yellow daisies, all reflecting shades of yellow.Yellow is the color of summer. Pair it with cobalt blue, fresh grass green, or dramatic black for a sunny decorating scheme. Use it in abandon during these warm weather months and enjoy the smile the color yellow evokes!

Some of my favorite yellow things:

Daffodils in a cobalt blue setting by a window.
Lemon yellow chair- to pretty to sit in.
A collage of yellow on a piece of Portugese china.
The bath essential- yellow rubber ducky.
A box of new crayons- who can resist.
Lemon curd- fill a tart shell with it, and enjoy.

Antique yellow quilt- use it as a tablecloth for the perfect setting.

DeClutter Steps

A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place!

Spring is here in full bloom and we are trying to get the clutter under control while spring cleaning our spaces. This can be an overwhelming task and can seem never-ending. Just think of the junk mail you get everyday! Decluttering can be broken down into user friendly steps. Here’s a quick list of easy to follow clutter-busting steps that will simplify your life, and your spring cleaning!

1. Pretend that you are moving
This is the easiest step to get rid of unwanted items. Mark a day on the calendar, and that is your pretend move day. Now ask yourself these questions- If you had to move, would you take it with you? Do you really need that third hair dryer, or all of those books? Its time to pare down. Donate what you do not need. Bring gently used items to a consignment store and make some unexpected cash. Have a garage sale. Just make sure that once it is out of the house, it stays out!

2. Keep only what you love
Ask yourself, do you really have to keep it? If not, go ahead and get rid of it. Put more focus on things that truly make you happy. By organizing your favorite momentos, you will actually look through them! Group collections together- easier to display and clean.

3. The benefits of less
Less stuff equals more time. With less stuff, there's less to clean, organize and dust, leaving your house uncluttered and cleaner. This is motivation!

4. Learn to love containers
Containers instantly add order to chaos, and are the secret weapon of organizers everywhere. Clear containers are the best to use, since you can see the contents inside. Do not forget to label what you put into those boxes!

5. Everything in its place
When everything has a place on a shelf, in a cabinet or in a bin, you will have less counter top clutter. There should be a home or place for everything, or throw it out!

6. Remember the two-year rule
If you haven't used something in two years, chances are good that you will never use it again. Donate, recycle, sell, but get it out of your house. This really applies to clothing. Two years and out unless its a classic like the "little black dress".

7. One in and one out
This is my favorite "rule" by far. It’s very simple- if you buy a new t-shirt then toss or repurpose an old t-shirt. It makes for a simple, clutter free existence.

8. Maximize your storage
Not enough closet space-then maximize the space you have. There are all kinds of helpful items these days that help you make the most of small spaces. Ottomans with removable tops for toys, baskets for under the bed, and compact bags for linens are just a few of the ideas available.

9. Organize by bits
Its going to take awhile to go through the whole house- so go easy on yourself and take it one step at a time. Small accomplishments, like a clutter free utensil drawer, are rewards all by themselves!

10. Rewards
Every job has its perks. Not only will you have a cleaner, more organized house; but a more simple, carefree life as well! If this isn’t motivation enough, then treat yourself to small incentives after each task. Dinner out, because the kitchen cabinets are organized, a new lipstick after throwing out old cosmetics, or a great book to fill in all that free time you now have, are small things that put a smile on your face. Go ahead- you have worked hard for it!

I compiled more ideas in my book "50 Steps to a Clutter Free Home and Lifestyle" - check it out at http://www.declutterbook.com/

Tablescape in your Garden

Enjoy a quiet moment or entertain a friend in the lush setting of your garden. With plantings and birdhouses as the backdrop, set up a table, pull in some chairs and bring out cookies and coffee. Don't forget a large basket of reading materials that are always at the ready by the back door. Put your feet up and indulge in the luxury that you worked so hard on- your own garden.

For more great "coffee break" tablescape ideas, visit www.GirlzNetwork.com!

The Blues Tablescape

Do you love sunny days with blue skies? Can't get enough Blue Moon ice cream? Have a hint of blue in every room? Then this tablescape is for you! I want to embrace my blues and dream of fluffy clouds, water, and blue skies of a summer vacation. Lets travel to the color that evokes tumbling waves and cool summer nights- Blues.

A table can be done in all different tones of blue. I am choosing Cobalt Blue, since I have quite a bit to work with. This is a table of color saturation, so pull out anything that you think may work in the blues family.

This is a great middle of the month table, “just because” table, add flags for the 4th of July table, silver for New Year’s Eve table, etc. I think you get the picture- this tablescape can be tweaked to fit many moods, and the color blue is extremely versatile and easy to find.

My table demonstration is for an everyday table- no special occasion.
Lets break this down in easy to follow steps, and use the pictures as your guide:

Table covering: Use something white- I used gauzy sheer curtains that were not in use elsewhere. This gives the table an ethereal, formal quality. White will make any blue pop, and your linen choice will set the informal/formal tone of the table.

Blue solid and patterned china- mix and match with what you have.

Italian water bottles in a strong blue color- I always have these on hand since the carbonated beverage is refreshing, and I use the bottles for vases as well. Large and small sizes vary your vase needs. (Available at grocery stores- I use Trader Joe’s)

Napkins- how about a linen napkin or blue kerchief from the craft store, rolled around a white paper napkin. Less laundering and the white again makes the blue shine.

Centerpiece- its difficult to find cobalt blue flowers so lets think outside the box. *A white bowl, or blue, filled with mosaic blue glass spheres.

Multiple blue, purple, and white candles scattered throughout in blue glass holders. I do mean multiple candles!

Fish bowls filled with sea glass, aquarium gravel, marbles, sand and shells- all in blue tones. You may even want to throw in a fish or two! This is definitely for a casual table.

Flowers and /or produce. Think again in blue tones. Blue Hydrangea would be a knockout, but a bit on the costly side. Instead, think of fruit and vegetables that can be eaten after. Purple eggplant, grapes, lemons or apples for a punch of color will be beautiful. Just remember, one type of anything in a container gives you much more impact, and use a lot of it!

Enjoy your “BLUE MOOD”!

Inspiring Decorating Books

For inspiration with color, pattern, and texture, I turn to Tricia Guild and her gorgeous books. Not only are they "eye candy" for interior decorators, but she sees the world in technicolor and shares it with her readers. These are her newest, but don't overlook Colors and Country Colors- two of my favorites! Any and all of her books make excellent gifts or coffee table books, to just leaf through and enjoy!


Tricia Guild Flower Sense: The Art of Decorating With Flowers can be pre-ordered through Amazon.com for $26.40


Inspiration by Tricia Guild is $13.59 from Amazon.com

Visit GirlzNetwork.com for more great decorating books or share your favorites with us!

Spring Tablescape

Tablescapes are my passion- especially as a decorator and in entertaining. Everything just tastes better on a pretty table! This spring setting has all of the elements that I like to incorporate. First and foremost, I shop through my own house and use what I already have! Think outside the box and use items in different ways.

The linens that cover this table are actually my grandmother's antique quilt! Layer your linens for a fun, new feel- not just the typical tablecloth.

Mix and match china- start with a white setting, if you have one, and mix floral patterns and bright colors for a spring look.

Top the setting off with something whimsical- I used my Little Ones flower fairies collection for this party. Add an object from nature (pussywillows, a bird's nest, fresh greens or flowers) and your table setting is complete!

Check out the entire table setting at my website GirlzNetwork.com, and more ideas to browse through!