Friday, October 30, 2009

At Home with BBEST

Our homes are our castles, our refuges from the hustle and bustle of the world, and our sources of nourishment and relief from stress. They are places where we gather with family and friends to share laughter and create happy memories. It is no wonder that our homes need to be not only physically comfortable, but also filled with colors and textures that are visually pleasing and expressive of our personalities. Does your home reflect who you are? Does the decor soothe your soul, bring you joy, and make you feel rejuvenated? If not, then it may be time to give your home a new look.

Bringing a sense of sanctuary to your home need not be expensive or time-consuming. Here are a few suggestions for simple changes that can bring a new perspective to you and your living area:

  • Use color to set the mood. Paint a wall or a cabinet in a new tone; add an accent piece in a favorite hue, or experiment with a new one. Choose colors that appeal to you and that evoke a sense of well-being. Display colorful, translucent items, such as glasses or bottles, in sunlit areas to bring in splashes of color.
  • Remove rugs to reveal wood floors, or add colorful scatter rugs to break up large expanses of bare flooring. Layer area rugs over wall-to-wall carpet to give dimension to single-color areas.
  • Rearrange existing furniture and accessories; move them into different rooms for a new perspective. Regroup items or remix for a less uniform look. Take furniture from attics and basements and slipcover if needed.
  • Get a new frame for an existing picture; paint or decoupage an old frame to give it personality.
  • Dig into storage and bring out pictures, knick-knacks, and memorabilia that have been locked away.
  • Display a collection, or assemble one based on a theme that inspires or soothes you.
  • Create a sense of light and warmth with candles or additional lamps. Move lights from unused areas to illuminate often used rooms. Give a favorite lamp a new shade to refresh its appearance. Clean glass shades and sconces for sparkle.
  • Use a variety of textures and shapes when decorating. Table linens, pillows, throws, glassware and pottery add dimension to plain spaces.
  • Bring nature indoors with fresh flowers or plants, water features, wood accessories, shells, wicker baskets, or patterns reflecting the natural world.
  • Banish clutter and clean out the corners. Sort through those piles of papers and magazines that provoke feelings of being overwhelmed. Put away items that are no longer being used or that remind you of negative emotions.
  • Add handmade or vintage items for a relaxed and personal feel. Accents that have character and individuality speak to us on a deeper level, and kindle positive feelings. 
Whatever changes you make in your home, remember to keep them a reflection of you and your family. Use decorating magazines and books as inspiration, but let your heart guide you in creating a loving and comforting space that will welcome you home each day.

BBEST has many wonderful accents for every room in your home.

Floral accessories and cheerful colors brighten
and bring nature into the bedroom.










Distinctive lighting, hand painted and vintage accessories
create a delicious dining experience.


Unity Pattern 12 Panel Multi Color Lamp
by Diana's Creations


Vintage Tidbit Tray, Green with Leaf Pattern by USA Pottery
from Sweet Rice


Hand Painted Grape Wine Glasses
by Glitz n Glass


Original Lavender Watercolor
by The Creators Palette


Vintage Fire King Gold-edged Dinner Plates
from By The Wayside


Deep colors, wood tones and eclectic desk accessories
are elements of a soothing office area.


Shawnee River Original Painting Watercolor
by Mystic Silks


Deep Dark Pink Porcelain Vase
by Aquarian Pottery Works


Vintage Fairy Tales Book - Illustrated Hans Christian Andersen
from Vintage Legacy Studio


Prairie Lamp
by Nonnie's Treasures


Vintage Art Deco Clock Hammond Junior Black Bakelite
from Junkyard Gypsy


Fabric-covered Vintage Apron Print Mouse Pad
by Scottie Acres Boutique


Fun and fresh, blue and white in the kitchen 
brings in the colors of the sky and sea.


White Fish Hooked Rug
by Beth Anderson


Maple Leaf Candy Plate
by Artsie Lady


Country Cottage Crocheted Cotton Table Mat
by JN Originals


Stoneware Shaker
by Fehu Stoneware


Blue Koi Silk Painting
by Janine Maves


Bottlescape I Fine Art Print
by Diane Clancy's Art


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Gifts For $10 and Under

I got the idea for this topic from one of our team mates. I have not been able to list everyone that has wonderful
items that are under $10. We are all so talented and have such a wide range of things to look at and I suggest that
we take the time to check out each others shops and see what is available. Again I am sorry that I couldn't have
everyone included in the one blog . I hope you enjoy the items I have picked out.


On A Whimsey


Heron Kate


Glitz n Glass


The Knotty Sheep


Ghi-Goo-ie Designs


Diana's Creations


COLOURSANDTEXTURES


Chris 1


Blazing Needles


Beth Peardon Prods


Bags and More By Pam


Artsie Ladie


AJ's Country Cottage


Anna's Jewelry

Monday, October 26, 2009

Autumn’s Last Hurrah!

Sally picked up the phone on the third ring.  “How are you feeling today?” I asked.

“A little better,” answered Sally.  “And you?” she asked.

“Well, aside from being really, really, really frustrated with my computer in the wee small hours this morning, I’m okay,” I said.

“What happened?” she asked.

“Well, you know how when you called yesterday and said you were sick and couldn’t come over, and I promised to create a blog post featuring some really gorgeous fall-colored items from my friends on the Boomers and Beyond Team?” 

“Yes,” Sally responded.  “I didn’t see it anywhere last night,” she continued.

“Oh, how well I know,” I sighed.  “This is how my evening went down.  Was crocheting on the sofa, watching the news at 11 p.m., and fell asleep.  When I woke up, it was 1:15 a.m.  Knowing I told you I would do a blog post, I went straight to the computer, started selecting some items from my friends’ shops, and began to upload them to blogger.  What a nightmare!  And I wasn’t even asleep!  Every cursor placement, deletion, photo move, letter insertion……you name it….took well over two minutes to occur.  At 3:08 a.m. I decided to give up.  For some reason I was able to do a short blog post that said I would be putting up the blog post later today.  I felt so bad letting you down and any of my other friends who were expecting to see what the new blog post was all about.”

“I’m sure they will understand,” Sally soothed.  “Are you going to work on it now?” she asked.

“Yes, and I have (I think….fingers crossed) that I am going to be able to do it with Windows Live Writer. I hope, I hope, I hope!!  You will soon see,” I said.

“Okay,” replied Sally.  “I’ll let you get to work and I’ll be excited to see what you have chosen to feature.  Take care.”

“You, too, Sally,” I said.  “I’m really visiting missing with you.  Do get better soon.  Will talk to you later and let you know if tonight’s blogging is successful!  Bye.”

zudagay rusty yellow sunflowerwww.zudagay.etsy.com

theslipstitch hand crochet neckwarmer 

www.theslipstitch.etsy.com

 

sixsisters pathway original watercolor

www.sixsisters.etsy.com

nonnie60 autumn angel

www.nonnie60.etsy.com

nightskyjewery shades of autumn earrings

www.nightskyjewelry.etsy.com

mysticsilks silk scarves

www.mysticsilks.etsy.com

maddyandme dark chocolate felted purse

www.maddyandme.etsy.com

lemachigallery bird dreams aceo

www.lemachigallery.etsy.com

jnoriginals set of three spa cloths

www.jnoriginals.etsy.com

inalather eye candy bar soaps

www.inalather.etsy.com

heronkate sunflower aceo

www.heronkate.etsy.com

fantasy creations stone leaf dangle earrings

www.fantasycreations.etsy.com

circleinthesand butterflies confettiwww.circleinthesand.etsy.com

chris1 maple leaf magnet 

www.chris1.etsy.com

chauncey flying witch pendant

www.chauncey.etsy.com

blazingneedles argyle style scarf in gold

www.blazingneedles.etsy.com

birose fall button snapple bib necklace

www.birose.etsy.com

backroomtreasures   pumpkin aceo

www.backroomtreasures.etsy.com

artsie lady leaf tea bag rest

www.artsielady.etsy.com

ajscountrycottage cinnamon cider candle

www.ajscountrycottage.etsy.com

hemlock hollow

www.hemlockhollow.etsy.com

“Hmmm!”  I thought to myself.  “So far, so good.  Now if it just publishes in the right location, I will be a really happy camper!  Let me check the preview and see,” I continued, talking out loud to myself this time!

“Hip, hip hooray!” I shouted.  My husband came running up the stair to see what all the hip, hip hooraying was all about.  I said, “It worked!  It really worked!  You just don’t know how happy I am right at this minute.”

“Yes, I do,” he grinned.  “Maybe I’ll even see you crawling into bed before the wee small hours of the morning!”