#but if you look on the Jamieson's color card

[elephantbitterhead]

Speaking of knitting, the Xmas sweater has made it in under the wire. This is my recolored & adapted version of the Schoolhouse Press pattern 'Christmas Past.' If you're considering this pattern & want to hear my thoughts on it, feel free to ask. My thoughts are largely negative -- many on-the-fly modifications were necessary to achieve the fit I wanted. I got this pattern because I wanted to see how they did the mitered collar you can see in the top picture. I like the collar, but in the future I'll add it to other sweater patterns that have the shaping I prefer.

[biofunmy]

Richard Curtis’s Five Places to Visit in London

There’s London and then there’s Richard Curtis’s London. The 62-year-old filmmaker has spun the city into a cozy, romantic oasis in back-to-back cinematic hits — from “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and “Notting Hill” to ”Love Actually.” His latest film is “Yesterday,” a comedy about the enduring power of the Beatles.

Mr. Curtis was born in Wellington, New Zealand, and moved to England when he was 11. He credits his outsider perspective for the snow globe version of London that he portrays in films. “I think in some ways it allows you to relish the place you’ve arrived in,” he said. “I��m accused of giving a very sunny version of London because I do. I take the good and don’t feel too bad about the bad.”

Image

The screenwriter Richard Curtis in London.CreditTom Jamieson for The New York Times

The screenwriter lives with the writer and producer Emma Freud in Notting Hill. The neighborhood has been his home for 25 years.

Early on in his career, Mr. Curtis said he decided to write only about places he knew and places he loved. The first film he wrote was set in America and, after a disappointing meeting in Los Angeles, where executives told him his dialogue and jokes were too British, he flew back to London and decided to scrap the project altogether. “I came home and said I’m never going to write anything that isn’t set in the streets of which I live. And I’ve very nearly lived up to that.”

What London spots inspire him? Here, Mr. Curtis recommends five places.

1. Abbey Road

If you’re quick to write off Abbey Road as a tourist trap, Mr. Curtis encourages you to think again. The crossing was featured on the cover of the Beatles’ 11th album, “Abbey Road,” and runs just next to Abbey Road Studios, a stately looking, Georgian building where the band recorded 190 of its 210 songs. Mr. Curtis, who did the music recording for “Four Weddings and A Funeral” inside the studio, pointed out that it is one of the few remaining relics of the Beatles era.

“If you go to Strawberry Fields, there’s just nothing. There’s a red gate and, at the moment, there’s nothing behind it. It’s just a strange bit of land,” he said. “Abbey Road has the cross road, there’s the beautiful studio with the lovely steps leading up to it. It’s satisfyingly real.”

3 Abbey Rd; abbeyroad.com

2. Alfred Hitchcock Ceramics

Since 2001, the Leytonstone Station Tube stop has been the home of a colorful, large-scale tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, who grew up just a short distance away in the East London neighborhood of Leytonstone. Sixteen vibrant mosaics, designed by artists at the Greenwich Mural Workshop, are found at the station, each a homage to the director and his films. Mr. Curtis, who is fond of both Hitchcock and ceramic art, stumbled upon the display when he was on his way to watch his son perform at a nearby music gig.

“I was so taken aback that there was this really wonderful thing, which I think people would pay to see if it was put up in an art gallery,” he said.

His favorite is the “North by Northwest” mosaic, which recreates the famous scene of Cary Grant sprinting from a plane, framed with splashes of bright yellow, blue and red tiles.

Leytonstone Tube Station; tfl.gov.uk

3. Lutyens & Rubinstein Bookshop

For a decade, this bookshop has sat on a lively stretch of Notting Hill, lined with colorfully painted storefronts. Head inside and you’ll find a moment of quiet in the bright, well-organized store. There are intricately folded book pages hanging from the ceiling, handmade painted cards for sale up front, and a winding staircase that leads to more books and a table for reading.

Mr. Curtis, a neighborhood local, likes to browse on the weekends, usually with one of his four children, ages 15, 17, 22 and 24. “I really encourage the kids to go there and buy books because it does make them better people,” he said.

21 Kensington Park Rd; lutyensrubinstein.co.uk

4. Primrose Hill

Make the small uphill trek to the top of Primrose Hill in northwest London and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning, 360-degree panorama of London. The summit — which stands at 206 feet — was used for duels in the 18th century. These days, visitors lounge on the lantern-lined grass, dogs roam, and a circular lookout point offers sweeping views of the city.

It’s also great for sledding. “It’s the place to go when it snows here. It has the perfect curve to take a 7-year-old child,” Mr. Curtis said. “Primrose Hill, the little village, is also really adorable. There’s a gorgeous bookshop there and a lovely Greek restaurant and an amazing old newsagent. It’s a very satisfying day out.”

Primrose Hill Road; royalparks.org.uk

5. British Film Institute, Southbank

There’s a lot of movie magic packed into this glass-sheathed building nestled along the Thames River. The four-screen cinema offers old and contemporary movies and hosts a series of film and television festivals. It also houses the BFI Mediatheque, a free library of more than 30,000 film and television titles, including rare television broadcasts and British cinema classics.

“Backing onto the river is an entrance to the cinema bit, but if you go down the side, there’s this brilliant common space and a brilliant movie bookstore,” Mr. Curtis said. “The other day I went there and they have these very bold series of T-shirts with just the names of women directors.”

Belvedere Road; whatson.bfi.org.uk

Sahred From Source link Travel

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[georgeycowell]

The Secret to No-Fuss Holiday Decor? Use What You Already Have

Hold your holiday decor horses! Before you purchase gobs of tinsel and piles of twinkle lights, take another look at items you already have - they may be the holiday embellishment you've been looking for.

By hunting through your cabinets and closets, you can easily repurpose common household items into yuletide decor for your abode. Need a little inspiration? These design experts share how they style up everyday objects into festive flourishes.

Dig through the craft closet

"Bust out the burlap! I've been known to use burlap for anything from tablecloths to a Christmas tree skirt. It's so versatile and lends an organic, rustic vibe." - Brooke Wagner, Brooke Wagner Design

"Roll out brown or black butcher paper on your table like a runner. It somehow elevates everything you set on it. Plus, you can write your guests names on it in black marker (or chalk marker for black paper) instead of place cards." - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Paint a wall with chalkboard paint. It’s the perfect themed accent wall that's fun and creative, and it gets the kids involved, too." - Melissa Martin Molitor, MMM Designs-Interiors

Photo courtesy of Melissa Martin Molitor.

"Tie ribbon on everything! Thread it through chandeliers or banisters. Or put festive printed fabric in picture frames and scatter them throughout the house." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

Scour the kitchen cupboards

"Place a set of teacups on a pretty tray, and fill each cup with a succulent or small flower arrangement. Or create a centerpiece by placing candles on a serving tray or cake stand." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

“Fill a large glass serving bowl - or maybe a punch bowl or trifle bowl - with whatever seasonal item you want. Just use the same thing so it looks purposeful and pretty.” - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Take an ordinary flower vase, and stick glass ornaments inside with a string of white lights. It's a pretty display that’s simple and creative!" - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

Ransack the fridge

"Dried fruit garland is still classic and sweet. Take a needle and thread to some popcorn, cranberries or dried sliced oranges, and string it up wherever you want to!" - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Cut up fresh fruit and put it in a pitcher before adding flowers for a centerpiece. Throw in some cloves and cinnamon sticks for added flair. For a dash of festivity, use oranges with cloves in them for place card settings." - Christine Estep, Jackson Thomas Interiors

Sift through the closet

"Use a vintage plaid throw as a tablecloth or runner. Or decorate a small tabletop tree with jewelry or ribbon." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

"Repurpose one of your favorite scarves as a cozy centerpiece runner." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

Forage in the yard

“Instead of placing a star at the top of my Christmas tree, I'll take a handful of fallen sticks and tie them together at the top of the tree with a raffia bow. I'll also layer pine cones throughout my tree to balance out the glass ornaments for an organic, natural feel. - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

“I gather sticks cedar branches, along with magnolia, holly, boxwood and pine. I spread them around the bases of containers or arrange them in colorful tea tins. It’s an easy way to bring in greenery without spending too much money." - Susan Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs

“I love to add a garland of fresh greens around my dining room chandelier and hang ornaments from it. The fresh scent mixed with holiday cooking is wonderful."

- Jennifer Stoner, Jennifer Stoner Interiors

Look everywhere!

"Scatter some festive items that aren’t necessarily holiday themed. For example, we’ll set out some naturally shed antlers in the fall or a tuxedo hat around Christmas. I’ll mix in a few of these types of things that feel seasonally appropriate but aren’t necessarily traditional holiday decor." - Summer Thornton, Summer Thornton Design

"Give a corner of your home a holiday touch with just a handful of tweaks. We made a sitting area more festive by adding new pillows (they needn’t have an overt holiday motif – a wintery look works just as well), some evergreen cuttings from the yard (with a few sprigs of berries), a stack of wrapped gifts, a scarf and bow for our deer, and a teddy bear found in the attic." – Chris Stout-Hazard, Roger + Chris

Photo courtesy of Chris Stout-Hazard.

"Gather objects with a similar color scheme. I pull out all of my white and silver anything and group them together - candle holders, vases, pots, ribbon. Then I go to my neighbors' yards for magnolia and holly cuttings and get laurel out of my own yard. I just keep everything green, white and silver - jumbled together it works." - Lesley Glotzl

"Repurpose a metallic vessel into a vase for displaying rich greenery or arrangements of holiday objects. A brass champagne cooler, a bright silver trophy cup or even small copper mugs could work perfectly. Add fresh pops of red with cranberries, pomegranates, deep-red apples or even a few red roses." - Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Photo courtesy of Kerrie Kelly.

Top photo from Zillow listing.

Related:

How to Decorate Simply for the Holidays (With Big Impact)

Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags

Entertaining Essentials: 5 Items Every Host Needs

Originally published November 2017.

from Home https://www.zillow.com/blog/no-fuss-holiday-decor-222932/ via http://www.rssmix.com/

[feamproffitt]

The Secret to No-Fuss Holiday Decor? Use What You Already Have

Hold your holiday decor horses! Before you purchase gobs of tinsel and piles of twinkle lights, take another look at items you already have - they may be the holiday embellishment you've been looking for.

By hunting through your cabinets and closets, you can easily repurpose common household items into yuletide decor for your abode. Need a little inspiration? These design experts share how they style up everyday objects into festive flourishes.

Dig through the craft closet

"Bust out the burlap! I've been known to use burlap for anything from tablecloths to a Christmas tree skirt. It's so versatile and lends an organic, rustic vibe." - Brooke Wagner, Brooke Wagner Design

"Roll out brown or black butcher paper on your table like a runner. It somehow elevates everything you set on it. Plus, you can write your guests names on it in black marker (or chalk marker for black paper) instead of place cards." - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Paint a wall with chalkboard paint. It’s the perfect themed accent wall that's fun and creative, and it gets the kids involved, too." - Melissa Martin Molitor, MMM Designs-Interiors

Photo courtesy of Melissa Martin Molitor.

"Tie ribbon on everything! Thread it through chandeliers or banisters. Or put festive printed fabric in picture frames and scatter them throughout the house." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

Scour the kitchen cupboards

"Place a set of teacups on a pretty tray, and fill each cup with a succulent or small flower arrangement. Or create a centerpiece by placing candles on a serving tray or cake stand." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

“Fill a large glass serving bowl - or maybe a punch bowl or trifle bowl - with whatever seasonal item you want. Just use the same thing so it looks purposeful and pretty.” - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Take an ordinary flower vase, and stick glass ornaments inside with a string of white lights. It's a pretty display that’s simple and creative!" - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

Ransack the fridge

"Dried fruit garland is still classic and sweet. Take a needle and thread to some popcorn, cranberries or dried sliced oranges, and string it up wherever you want to!" - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Cut up fresh fruit and put it in a pitcher before adding flowers for a centerpiece. Throw in some cloves and cinnamon sticks for added flair. For a dash of festivity, use oranges with cloves in them for place card settings." - Christine Estep, Jackson Thomas Interiors

Sift through the closet

"Use a vintage plaid throw as a tablecloth or runner. Or decorate a small tabletop tree with jewelry or ribbon." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

"Repurpose one of your favorite scarves as a cozy centerpiece runner." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

Forage in the yard

“Instead of placing a star at the top of my Christmas tree, I'll take a handful of fallen sticks and tie them together at the top of the tree with a raffia bow. I'll also layer pine cones throughout my tree to balance out the glass ornaments for an organic, natural feel. - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

“I gather sticks cedar branches, along with magnolia, holly, boxwood and pine. I spread them around the bases of containers or arrange them in colorful tea tins. It’s an easy way to bring in greenery without spending too much money." - Susan Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs

“I love to add a garland of fresh greens around my dining room chandelier and hang ornaments from it. The fresh scent mixed with holiday cooking is wonderful."

- Jennifer Stoner, Jennifer Stoner Interiors

Look everywhere!

"Scatter some festive items that aren’t necessarily holiday themed. For example, we’ll set out some naturally shed antlers in the fall or a tuxedo hat around Christmas. I’ll mix in a few of these types of things that feel seasonally appropriate but aren’t necessarily traditional holiday decor." - Summer Thornton, Summer Thornton Design

"Give a corner of your home a holiday touch with just a handful of tweaks. We made a sitting area more festive by adding new pillows (they needn’t have an overt holiday motif – a wintery look works just as well), some evergreen cuttings from the yard (with a few sprigs of berries), a stack of wrapped gifts, a scarf and bow for our deer, and a teddy bear found in the attic." – Chris Stout-Hazard, Roger + Chris

Photo courtesy of Chris Stout-Hazard.

"Gather objects with a similar color scheme. I pull out all of my white and silver anything and group them together - candle holders, vases, pots, ribbon. Then I go to my neighbors' yards for magnolia and holly cuttings and get laurel out of my own yard. I just keep everything green, white and silver - jumbled together it works." - Lesley Glotzl

"Repurpose a metallic vessel into a vase for displaying rich greenery or arrangements of holiday objects. A brass champagne cooler, a bright silver trophy cup or even small copper mugs could work perfectly. Add fresh pops of red with cranberries, pomegranates, deep-red apples or even a few red roses." - Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Photo courtesy of Kerrie Kelly.

Top photo from Zillow listing.

Related:

How to Decorate Simply for the Holidays (With Big Impact)

Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags

Entertaining Essentials: 5 Items Every Host Needs

Originally published November 2017.

[danielgreen01]

The Secret to No-Fuss Holiday Decor? Use What You Already Have

Hold your holiday decor horses! Before you purchase gobs of tinsel and piles of twinkle lights, take another look at items you already have - they may be the holiday embellishment you've been looking for.

By hunting through your cabinets and closets, you can easily repurpose common household items into yuletide decor for your abode. Need a little inspiration? These design experts share how they style up everyday objects into festive flourishes.

Dig through the craft closet

"Bust out the burlap! I've been known to use burlap for anything from tablecloths to a Christmas tree skirt. It's so versatile and lends an organic, rustic vibe." - Brooke Wagner, Brooke Wagner Design

"Roll out brown or black butcher paper on your table like a runner. It somehow elevates everything you set on it. Plus, you can write your guests names on it in black marker (or chalk marker for black paper) instead of place cards." - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Paint a wall with chalkboard paint. It’s the perfect themed accent wall that's fun and creative, and it gets the kids involved, too." - Melissa Martin Molitor, MMM Designs-Interiors

Photo courtesy of Melissa Martin Molitor.

"Tie ribbon on everything! Thread it through chandeliers or banisters. Or put festive printed fabric in picture frames and scatter them throughout the house." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

Scour the kitchen cupboards

"Place a set of teacups on a pretty tray, and fill each cup with a succulent or small flower arrangement. Or create a centerpiece by placing candles on a serving tray or cake stand." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

“Fill a large glass serving bowl - or maybe a punch bowl or trifle bowl - with whatever seasonal item you want. Just use the same thing so it looks purposeful and pretty.” - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Take an ordinary flower vase, and stick glass ornaments inside with a string of white lights. It's a pretty display that’s simple and creative!" - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

Ransack the fridge

"Dried fruit garland is still classic and sweet. Take a needle and thread to some popcorn, cranberries or dried sliced oranges, and string it up wherever you want to!" - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Cut up fresh fruit and put it in a pitcher before adding flowers for a centerpiece. Throw in some cloves and cinnamon sticks for added flair. For a dash of festivity, use oranges with cloves in them for place card settings." - Christine Estep, Jackson Thomas Interiors

Sift through the closet

"Use a vintage plaid throw as a tablecloth or runner. Or decorate a small tabletop tree with jewelry or ribbon." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

"Repurpose one of your favorite scarves as a cozy centerpiece runner." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

Forage in the yard

“Instead of placing a star at the top of my Christmas tree, I'll take a handful of fallen sticks and tie them together at the top of the tree with a raffia bow. I'll also layer pine cones throughout my tree to balance out the glass ornaments for an organic, natural feel. - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

“I gather sticks cedar branches, along with magnolia, holly, boxwood and pine. I spread them around the bases of containers or arrange them in colorful tea tins. It’s an easy way to bring in greenery without spending too much money." - Susan Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs

“I love to add a garland of fresh greens around my dining room chandelier and hang ornaments from it. The fresh scent mixed with holiday cooking is wonderful."

- Jennifer Stoner, Jennifer Stoner Interiors

Look everywhere!

"Scatter some festive items that aren’t necessarily holiday themed. For example, we’ll set out some naturally shed antlers in the fall or a tuxedo hat around Christmas. I’ll mix in a few of these types of things that feel seasonally appropriate but aren’t necessarily traditional holiday decor." - Summer Thornton, Summer Thornton Design

"Give a corner of your home a holiday touch with just a handful of tweaks. We made a sitting area more festive by adding new pillows (they needn’t have an overt holiday motif – a wintery look works just as well), some evergreen cuttings from the yard (with a few sprigs of berries), a stack of wrapped gifts, a scarf and bow for our deer, and a teddy bear found in the attic." – Chris Stout-Hazard, Roger + Chris

Photo courtesy of Chris Stout-Hazard.

"Gather objects with a similar color scheme. I pull out all of my white and silver anything and group them together - candle holders, vases, pots, ribbon. Then I go to my neighbors' yards for magnolia and holly cuttings and get laurel out of my own yard. I just keep everything green, white and silver - jumbled together it works." - Lesley Glotzl

"Repurpose a metallic vessel into a vase for displaying rich greenery or arrangements of holiday objects. A brass champagne cooler, a bright silver trophy cup or even small copper mugs could work perfectly. Add fresh pops of red with cranberries, pomegranates, deep-red apples or even a few red roses." - Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Photo courtesy of Kerrie Kelly.

Top photo from Zillow listing.

Related:

How to Decorate Simply for the Holidays (With Big Impact)

Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags

Entertaining Essentials: 5 Items Every Host Needs

Originally published November 2017.

from Zillow Porchlight https://ift.tt/2hZ9OcX via IFTTT

[jamiesonwolf]

You have been an absolute blessing.

Every year, I wonder how the new year will make me better, how I will learn and grow and prosper. I promised myself, way back in 2014, that I would live more and I continue to stay true to that promise.

This year saw quite a few milestones, a lot of different things published and a lot of new memories made. I am constantly looking at my life, wondering what I did to be lucky enough to be living it.

I learned a lot about myself this year. I learned what I was capable of and how to relax and let joy find me. I’m still trying to learn how to take it easy and not do quite so much, but I’m a fabulous work in progress.

January and February were spent just trying to find our footing after the busy holiday season.

March

In March, I released my fifth volume of poetry, Singing to the Sky. It is the fifth in my Elemental Poetry series and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I set down to write poems only when Spirit moved me to do so.

You can find it here: https://www.amazon.ca/Singing-Spirit-Jamieson-Wolf-ebook/dp/B07CJPG7YL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545596160&sr=8-1&keywords=Singing+to+the+Spirit+Jamieson+Wolf

April

April was full of so many wonderful and fabulous things! Michael and I celebrated out first Wedding Anniversary! I can’t believe it’s already been a year and that we’ve been together for four years. It feels like I only met him a month ago! He fills me with so much joy. He has taught me what true love is and every day is a joy and a blessing because I get to wake up beside him and fall asleep beside him. He has shown me that magic really does exist.

My new novel from Renaissance Press was released. Life and Lemonade is the second book in the Lemonade series and I love this book so much. Blaine and friends have filled up my life and it’s a joy to let the books pages fill up with their lives. You can get your copy here: https://renaissancebookpress.com/product/life-and-lemonade/

I also did the MS Walk at the end of April. This year, I raised well over $1,000 for research that will lead to the end of Multiple Sclerosis. I am so grateful to everyone who walked with me and everyone who donated. We all walked 5KM in an hour and ten minutes. That’s awesome and a great improvement on last years time! Woohoo for us!

May

May started with the book launch for Life and Lemonade! It launched along with a few other titles and I got to wear a costume! I was dressed as Duke William Tremontaine from the Tremontaine novels. SO MUCH FUN! And, bonus, I had hair! LOL

My first erotica novel in quite a few years was released. The Color of Love: Starboy book one. It was published by Cobblestone Press and I’m so happy with it. It’s a novelette and, while it’s a quick read, it’s a wonderful story. You can get your copy here:  http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/thecoloroflove.htm

I also got a new tattoo! The Wild Unknown is my favourite Tarot deck of all that I have. There’s just something in it that sings to my soul. I decided to treat myself for m 40th Birthday and get a new tattoo. I picked my favourite card from the deck, the Strength card. It was done by Pat at Living Colour Tattoo.

June

I had new author photos taken with Susie Shapiro. I am so thrilled with her work. She was able to find the true me and help that to shine through. She captured my spirit with the photos that she took and I’m just forever thankful for them. You can find out more about Susie and her work here: https://susieshapiro.format.com/

July

This novel saw the release of my next erotic romance novel, Hallowed: The Elementals Book One. I am so thrilled with this book and have been busy planning the plot for the next four books. You can get your copy here: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/hallowed.htm

August

This month brought quiet a few milestones!

It was my 40th Birthday! With that came a party! I had such an awesome time celebrating with friends and family. It was a Harry Potter theme party, so I of course dressed appropriately.

Michael took me on my first cruise all the way to Alaska! First though, I got to experience the gorgeous splendour of Vancouver British Columbia. It really was spectacular

When we were in Alaska, we did so much! One memory is zip lining off of a mountain that was higher than the Empire State Building. I can’t believe everything I experienced on this trip and know that I will remember my 40th Birthday for the rest of my life.

The cruise was a dream. Seeing Alaska was incredible and they are memories I will carry with me for a long time to come.

September

As fall took hold, I wanted to add to my tattoo. It didn’t feel quite done with just the Strength card, so I wanted to add my two other favourite cards to the Strength card: The Ace of Swords and The Ace of Wands. Pat from Living Colour did these ones, too and they look like a three card reading on my arm.

We were also fortunate enough to see Elton John perform for the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Tour. He played for three hours and it was the best concert I’ve ever experienced. Such an amazing singer, writer and performer.

October

October brought a lot of joy too! My new novel, Witchcraft and Anchovies, was released! It’s a favourite of mine and I’m so happy it’s out there in the world. You can buy your copy here: https://www.amazon.ca/Witchcraft-Anchovies-Jamieson-Wolf-ebook/dp/B07JL6G5CY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545599858&sr=8-1&keywords=Witchcraft+and+Anchovies

I also took part in Can-Con again! I was on a romantic panel and what creates romantic relationships. I was honoured to be on a panel with so many other talented authors and to meet readers of my books.

November

In November, Michael and I went to Cuba! This time, we sent to Santiago de Cuba. It was breathtaking and gorgeous. It was fascinating to learn so much about its history. It felt like we were in another world.

I was also fortunate enough to have both Lust and Lemonade and Life and Lemonade entered into the Ottawa Public Library! How wonderful is that? I’m ecstatic that people can check my books out from the library.

December

And how cool is this? Life and Lemonade made it on a Best Books of 2018 list! This novel was really personal to me and so very special. I’m so glad that the response for it has been so good! You can check out the best books list here: https://caitgordon.com/2018/12/03/my-2018-list-of-you-gotta-read-them-books/

I released my annual holiday story earlier this month. I wanted to write a story about a chosen family. So I figured why not write about Blaine and friends from the Lemonade Novels? I figured I’d go back to the beginning and write a prequel. Thus, Mistletoe and Lemonade was born! You can read it for free and can download your copy here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/911759

  And that’s a wrap on 2018! I am so thankful to everyone that has made this year so wonderful and filled it with so much joy. I am so grateful for the life I have. I am also thankful for all of you who are with me on this journey.

I wish for all of your lives to be filled with joy this holiday season. Until next year! See you in 2019!

Dear 2018 You have been an absolute blessing. Every year, I wonder how the new year will make me better, how I will learn and grow and prosper.

[365footballorg-blog]

Five areas the LA Galaxy needed to address ahead of the 2018 season

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March 2, 20186:29PM EST

CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy were on their way to a third straight year without the playoffs when Bruce Arena took charge in August 2008. He began rebuilding the roster and establishing a distinct culture once the offseason arrived, had the team in the MLS Cup final the following season, won a Supporters’ Shield the next two seasons, and went on a run of three MLS Cup titles in four years.

Now it’s Sigi Schmid’s turn, and the aims aren’t all that different.

The Galaxy endured the roughest of their 22 seasons last year, inaugurating the post-Arena era with a thin roster that couldn’t hang when injuries started piling up, spiraling to the bottom of the MLS table with an 8-18-8 record. LA went 3-9-5 at StubHub Center and won just twice in their last 19 games.

Schmid, who took charge late last July, and Galaxy brass set about revamping the team as soon as the final whistle on 2017 sounded, bringing in veterans at spots all over the field and building needed depth nearly everywhere. It’s meant to make LA contenders again, immediately.

“We want to make the playoffs,” Schmid said ahead of the Galaxy’s opener Sunday night at home against the Portland Timbers (10 pm ET; FS1, FOX Deportes in US | TSN2 in Canada). “And, obviously, once you make the playoffs, then you can win silverware. So our objective is to try and win some silverware at the end of the year. But the No. 1 objective is to make the playoffs.”

That’s more of a starting point. The Galaxy have been MLS’s signpost club for at least a decade, and that’s a position nobody within wants to concede.

“When you do a season like last season, you have to be better,” said winger Romain Alessandrini, LA’s one true standout in 2017. “We are the LA Galaxy. We have to be at the top, and we have to get better day after day.”

The Galaxy, to do so, have taken huge steps forward in several areas. Here are five of them:

Depth is key

The Galaxy’s 2017 failure is entirely about their abject lack of depth all over the field. It’s impossible to win in MLS with just 15 players anymore, has been for some time, but LA began the post-Arena era with something of a youth movement, but with players who, largely, weren’t yet ready.

An injury crisis made it all the worse, and LA spent much of the season with a sub-MLS lineup, and the result was predictable. The Galaxy had never lost more games, never finished so low in the standings, never had posted a losing record at home.

Schmid’s rebuild focused on defense and depth all over the field, and he’s constructed a roster that, at least on paper, looks like it can contend for a playoff spot and some silverware. There is depth everywhere except up top — more on that later — but especially in midfield and along the backline.

LA have brought in at least five new starters, are getting two veterans back from injury, and have bolstered competition at every spot. Chris Pontius’ arrival, and the return of Sebastian Lletget, bolsters a strong group of flank players; Servando Carrasco, along with Baggio Husidic’s return, does likewise at the No. 6 and No. 8 posts. There have been key additions at the back, too.

There’s a different mentality heading into this season, a greater confidence in what’s ahead.

“Last year we played a lot of the season with young kids, and it’s hard to put them in that situation,” defender Ashley Cole said. “It’s where they wanted to be, but maybe it’s a little too soon for them. [Now] we have veterans of MLS, who have played a lot in the league, understand the league, understand the mentality, what it is you need here to win and win championships.”

Return of the wild card

Lletget offers the Galaxy so much on and off the field, as a go-for-goal winger and a terrific locker-room presence, and his season-ending foot injury during a World Cup qualifier just a few weeks into the MLS campaign was the start to LA’s run of misfortune.

Robbie Rogers was already done, and Gyasi Zardes was sidelined, too, but there was an excitement surrounding Lletget after his electric start with the national team after playing a key role in the Galaxy attack for nearly two full seasons.

The Bay Area-by-way-of-West Ham product was something of a wild card, able to create and score goals, with a knack for getting into good spots and a combination of low gravity and technical skill that made him most difficult to dispossess. The prospect of he, Giovani dos Santos and Alessandrini in support of Zardes, ostensibly, sounded most appetizing. Losing Lletget removed a dimension from the Galaxy’s attack, which mattered less and less as more and more players went down.

Schmid thinks of Lletget as a rebuilding bonus — like a new player, except he knows his way around — and Lletget is starving to get back to where he was when he went down. It just might take some time.

“My feeling has always been, OK, he was out for eight or nine months. It’s going to take him four and a half months to get to the top of his game,” the Galaxy coach said. “Basically, we started toward the end of January. He’s a month in. By the end of March, he’ll be two months in, by the end of April three months in. I think we’ll see his best football in May.”

Hitting the back of the net

The decision to go young and unproven up top after Robbie Keane’s departure worked as might be expected. Zardes struggled to find form after a preseason injury and didn’t score a goal until September. None of the other options panned out, either; LA’s goals came from midfield, when they came at all.

Welcome, Ola Kamara. The Norwegian striker, acquired from Columbus for Zardes and allocation money, netted 34 goals the past two seasons, a total bettered only by David Villa, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Diego Valeri. The Galaxy’s attack has looked good in the buildup, and Kamara scored three preseason goals, all one-touch finishes, plus a couple of spectacular strikes in intrasquad play. Expectations are high.

“The numbers kind of speak for themselves,” assistant coach Dominic Kinnear told MLSsoccer.com. “He makes great runs off the ball. I think we’re still getting to know him a little bit, and I think the more we play and the more we look at film and if we can kind of play to his strengths — which is running off the ball — he’s got a nose for the goal.”

He’ll need to put balls away, because the Galaxy are thinnest up top. Kamara is the only pure striker on the roster, and the other primary options — Giovani dos Santos, Ariel Lassiter, Bradford Jamieson IV, Pontius — are better underneath the striker or on the flank. Lassiter and Jamieson are unproven, and Jamieson has been in concussion protocol much of preseason.

Schmid says LA is “possibly” looking to add another forward “as we move forward,” and, of course, everything is colored to some extent by the Zlatan Ibrahimovic reports.

Offense last year came primarily from Alessandrini, who cut in from the right flank to score 13 goals and 12 assists and, more tellingly, played a direct role in 31 of the 40 goals the Galaxy netted when he was on the field. 

An effective defense

The most impactful departure before 2017 was A.J. DeLaGarza’s. The versatile defender, who went to Houston in a trade, had been the backbone of LA’s defense for years but was flitting from place to place, often depending on who was available, over his final seasons with the Galaxy.

He’d have been the starting right back last year, given Rogers’ foot, and we can only speculate on how different things might have been. At one point, LA was using a fourth-choice right back, and nobody on the backline made it through the season unscathed. The depth troubles hit home here, and the inability of any among the three goalkeepers to take command of the No. 1 job was no help.

Schmid and Co. have radically reconstructed the defense, and depending on who lines up next to new Norwegian center back Jorgen Skjelvik, the back six could be the 37-year-old Cole, four new arrivals, and a center back who arrived late last season. It’s a huge upgrade, with the additions of a true No. 6 above the backline (Perry Kitchen), a new right back (Swiss-born Venezuelan Rolf Feltscher) and goalkeeper (David Bingham, from San Jose), and some real depth, too. Schmid has to decide on his other center back, either Frenchman Michael Ciani or veteran Daniel Steres, although top draft pick Tomas Hilliard-Arce could be pressing for time soon enough.

It looks good on paper, but the defending has been hit and miss during the preseason. At times LA has been soft and error-prone — all over the field, not just at the back — but a better showing in last weekend’s preseason loss to Vancouver was encouraging.

“It’s just going to need time …,” Schmid said. “I think they still need to learn each other a little bit. With each week and each game, that understanding and that cohesion is going to become more automatic. Right now, it’s a thinking process, and once that goes from a thinking process [something that does not require thought], then it’s going to be better for the team.”

Finding leaders

The Galaxy had strong captains and plenty of deputies under Bruce Arena, none better than Keane, and there was a sizable leadership void when the Irishman was jettisoned in the post-2016 rebuild. The armband went to Jelle Van Damme, who had enjoyed a successful first MLS campaign and had served as captain as Standard Liege, but he had a bad run of form before departing midseason.

Cole, the left back, has embraced being captain after shying away from the role in the past, and he’s got help all over the place, with Kitchen and fellow central midfielder Jonathan dos Santos, Skjelvik and Kamara. And that enables Giovani dos Santos’ and Alessandrini’s more subtle leadership qualities to emerge.

Cole says wearing the armband is “not something I was used to,” but he wanted a more proactive role after last season’s grave disappointment.

“This year I came back determined to try to make this team great again,” he said. “To win trophies. … And it’s not just I wear the band. That was probably a problem last hear, we didn’t have too many people who wanted to step up, and now we do.”

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MLSsoccer.com News

Five areas the LA Galaxy needed to address ahead of the 2018 season was originally published on 365 Football

[vincentbnaughton]

The Secret to No-Fuss Holiday Decor? Use What You Already Have

Hold your holiday decor horses! Before you purchase gobs of tinsel and piles of twinkle lights, take another look at items you already have - they may be the holiday embellishment you’ve been looking for.

By hunting through your cabinets and closets, you can easily repurpose common household items into yuletide decor for your abode. Need a little inspiration? These design experts share how they style up everyday objects into festive flourishes.

Dig through the craft closet

“Bust out the burlap! I’ve been known to use burlap for anything from tablecloths to a Christmas tree skirt. It’s so versatile and lends an organic, rustic vibe.” - Brooke Wagner, Brooke Wagner Design

���Roll out brown or black butcher paper on your table like a runner. It somehow elevates everything you set on it. Plus, you can write your guests names on it in black marker (or chalk marker for black paper) instead of place cards.” - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

“Paint a wall with chalkboard paint. It’s the perfect themed accent wall that’s fun and creative, and it gets the kids involved, too.” - Melissa Martin Molitor, MMM Designs-Interiors

Photo courtesy of Melissa Martin Molitor.

“Tie ribbon on everything! Thread it through chandeliers or banisters. Or put festive printed fabric in picture frames and scatter them throughout the house.” - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

Scour the kitchen cupboards

“Place a set of teacups on a pretty tray, and fill each cup with a succulent or small flower arrangement. Or create a centerpiece by placing candles on a serving tray or cake stand.” - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

“Fill a large glass serving bowl - or maybe a punch bowl or trifle bowl - with whatever seasonal item you want. Just use the same thing so it looks purposeful and pretty.” - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

“Take an ordinary flower vase, and stick glass ornaments inside with a string of white lights. It’s a pretty display that’s simple and creative!” - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

Ransack the fridge

“Dried fruit garland is still classic and sweet. Take a needle and thread to some popcorn, cranberries or dried sliced oranges, and string it up wherever you want to!” - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

“Cut up fresh fruit and put it in a pitcher before adding flowers for a centerpiece. Throw in some cloves and cinnamon sticks for added flair. For a dash of festivity, use oranges with cloves in them for place card settings.” - Christine Estep, Jackson Thomas Interiors

Sift through the closet

“Use a vintage plaid throw as a tablecloth or runner. Or decorate a small tabletop tree with jewelry or ribbon.” - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

“Repurpose one of your favorite scarves as a cozy centerpiece runner.” - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

Forage in the yard

“Instead of placing a star at the top of my Christmas tree, I’ll take a handful of fallen sticks and tie them together at the top of the tree with a raffia bow. I’ll also layer pine cones throughout my tree to balance out the glass ornaments for an organic, natural feel. - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

“I gather sticks cedar branches, along with magnolia, holly, boxwood and pine. I spread them around the bases of containers or arrange them in colorful tea tins. It’s an easy way to bring in greenery without spending too much money.“ - Susan Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs

“I love to add a garland of fresh greens around my dining room chandelier and hang ornaments from it. The fresh scent mixed with holiday cooking is wonderful.”

- Jennifer Stoner, Jennifer Stoner Interiors

Look everywhere!

“Scatter some festive items that aren’t necessarily holiday themed. For example, we’ll set out some naturally shed antlers in the fall or a tuxedo hat around Christmas. I’ll mix in a few of these types of things that feel seasonally appropriate but aren’t necessarily traditional holiday decor.” - Summer Thornton, Summer Thornton Design

“Give a corner of your home a holiday touch with just a handful of tweaks. We made a sitting area more festive by adding new pillows (they needn’t have an overt holiday motif – a wintery look works just as well), some evergreen cuttings from the yard (with a few sprigs of berries), a stack of wrapped gifts, a scarf and bow for our deer, and a teddy bear found in the attic.” – Chris Stout-Hazard, Roger + Chris

Photo courtesy of Chris Stout-Hazard.

“Gather objects with a similar color scheme. I pull out all of my white and silver anything and group them together - candle holders, vases, pots, ribbon. Then I go to my neighbors’ yards for magnolia and holly cuttings and get laurel out of my own yard. I just keep everything green, white and silver - jumbled together it works.” - Lesley Glotzl

“Repurpose a metallic vessel into a vase for displaying rich greenery or arrangements of holiday objects. A brass champagne cooler, a bright silver trophy cup or even small copper mugs could work perfectly. Add fresh pops of red with cranberries, pomegranates, deep-red apples or even a few red roses.” - Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Photo courtesy of Kerrie Kelly.

Top photo from Zillow listing.

Related:

How to Decorate Simply for the Holidays (With Big Impact)

Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags

Entertaining Essentials: 5 Items Every Host Needs

[garynsmith]

The Secret to No-Fuss Holiday Decor? Use What You Already Have

http://ift.tt/2jvwh1H

Hold your holiday decor horses! Before you purchase gobs of tinsel and piles of twinkle lights, take another look at items you already have - they may be the holiday embellishment you've been looking for.

By hunting through your cabinets and closets, you can easily repurpose common household items into yuletide decor for your abode. Need a little inspiration? These design experts share how they style up everyday objects into festive flourishes.

Dig through the craft closet

"Bust out the burlap! I've been known to use burlap for anything from tablecloths to a Christmas tree skirt. It's so versatile and lends an organic, rustic vibe." - Brooke Wagner, Brooke Wagner Design

"Roll out brown or black butcher paper on your table like a runner. It somehow elevates everything you set on it. Plus, you can write your guests names on it in black marker (or chalk marker for black paper) instead of place cards." - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Paint a wall with chalkboard paint. It’s the perfect themed accent wall that's fun and creative, and it gets the kids involved, too." - Melissa Martin Molitor, MMM Designs-Interiors

Photo courtesy of Melissa Martin Molitor.

"Tie ribbon on everything! Thread it through chandeliers or banisters. Or put festive printed fabric in picture frames and scatter them throughout the house." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

Scour the kitchen cupboards

"Place a set of teacups on a pretty tray, and fill each cup with a succulent or small flower arrangement. Or create a centerpiece by placing candles on a serving tray or cake stand." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

“Fill a large glass serving bowl - or maybe a punch bowl or trifle bowl - with whatever seasonal item you want. Just use the same thing so it looks purposeful and pretty.” - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Take an ordinary flower vase, and stick glass ornaments inside with a string of white lights. It's a pretty display that’s simple and creative!" - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

Ransack the fridge

"Dried fruit garland is still classic and sweet. Take a needle and thread to some popcorn, cranberries or dried sliced oranges, and string it up wherever you want to!" - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Cut up fresh fruit and put it in a pitcher before adding flowers for a centerpiece. Throw in some cloves and cinnamon sticks for added flair. For a dash of festivity, use oranges with cloves in them for place card settings." - Christine Estep, Jackson Thomas Interiors

Sift through the closet

"Use a vintage plaid throw as a tablecloth or runner. Or decorate a small tabletop tree with jewelry or ribbon." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

"Repurpose one of your favorite scarves as a cozy centerpiece runner." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

Forage in the yard

“Instead of placing a star at the top of my Christmas tree, I'll take a handful of fallen sticks and tie them together at the top of the tree with a raffia bow. I'll also layer pine cones throughout my tree to balance out the glass ornaments for an organic, natural feel. - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

“I gather sticks cedar branches, along with magnolia, holly, boxwood and pine. I spread them around the bases of containers or arrange them in colorful tea tins. It’s an easy way to bring in greenery without spending too much money." - Susan Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs

“I love to add a garland of fresh greens around my dining room chandelier and hang ornaments from it. The fresh scent mixed with holiday cooking is wonderful."

- Jennifer Stoner, Jennifer Stoner Interiors

Look everywhere!

"Scatter some festive items that aren’t necessarily holiday themed. For example, we’ll set out some naturally shed antlers in the fall or a tuxedo hat around Christmas. I’ll mix in a few of these types of things that feel seasonally appropriate but aren’t necessarily traditional holiday decor." - Summer Thornton, Summer Thornton Design

"Give a corner of your home a holiday touch with just a handful of tweaks. We made a sitting area more festive by adding new pillows (they needn’t have an overt holiday motif – a wintery look works just as well), some evergreen cuttings from the yard (with a few sprigs of berries), a stack of wrapped gifts, a scarf and bow for our deer, and a teddy bear found in the attic." – Chris Stout-Hazard, Roger + Chris

Photo courtesy of Chris Stout-Hazard.

"Gather objects with a similar color scheme. I pull out all of my white and silver anything and group them together - candle holders, vases, pots, ribbon. Then I go to my neighbors' yards for magnolia and holly cuttings and get laurel out of my own yard. I just keep everything green, white and silver - jumbled together it works." - Lesley Glotzl

"Repurpose a metallic vessel into a vase for displaying rich greenery or arrangements of holiday objects. A brass champagne cooler, a bright silver trophy cup or even small copper mugs could work perfectly. Add fresh pops of red with cranberries, pomegranates, deep-red apples or even a few red roses." - Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Photo courtesy of Kerrie Kelly.

Top photo from Zillow listing.

Related:

How to Decorate Simply for the Holidays (With Big Impact)

Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags

Entertaining Essentials: 5 Items Every Host Needs

from Zillow Blog http://ift.tt/2hZ9OcX via IFTTT

[feamproffitt]

The Secret to No-Fuss Holiday Decor? Use What You Already Have

Hold your holiday decor horses! Before you purchase gobs of tinsel and piles of twinkle lights, take another look at items you already have - they may be the holiday embellishment you've been looking for.

By hunting through your cabinets and closets, you can easily repurpose common household items into yuletide decor for your abode. Need a little inspiration? These design experts share how they style up everyday objects into festive flourishes.

Dig through the craft closet

"Bust out the burlap! I've been known to use burlap for anything from tablecloths to a Christmas tree skirt. It's so versatile and lends an organic, rustic vibe." - Brooke Wagner, Brooke Wagner Design

"Roll out brown or black butcher paper on your table like a runner. It somehow elevates everything you set on it. Plus, you can write your guests names on it in black marker (or chalk marker for black paper) instead of place cards." - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Paint a wall with chalkboard paint. It’s the perfect themed accent wall that's fun and creative, and it gets the kids involved, too." - Melissa Martin Molitor, MMM Designs-Interiors

Photo courtesy of Melissa Martin Molitor.

"Tie ribbon on everything! Thread it through chandeliers or banisters. Or put festive printed fabric in picture frames and scatter them throughout the house." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

Scour the kitchen cupboards

"Place a set of teacups on a pretty tray, and fill each cup with a succulent or small flower arrangement. Or create a centerpiece by placing candles on a serving tray or cake stand." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

“Fill a large glass serving bowl - or maybe a punch bowl or trifle bowl - with whatever seasonal item you want. Just use the same thing so it looks purposeful and pretty.” - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Take an ordinary flower vase, and stick glass ornaments inside with a string of white lights. It's a pretty display that’s simple and creative!" - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

Ransack the fridge

"Dried fruit garland is still classic and sweet. Take a needle and thread to some popcorn, cranberries or dried sliced oranges, and string it up wherever you want to!" - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Cut up fresh fruit and put it in a pitcher before adding flowers for a centerpiece. Throw in some cloves and cinnamon sticks for added flair. For a dash of festivity, use oranges with cloves in them for place card settings." - Christine Estep, Jackson Thomas Interiors

Sift through the closet

"Use a vintage plaid throw as a tablecloth or runner. Or decorate a small tabletop tree with jewelry or ribbon." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

"Repurpose one of your favorite scarves as a cozy centerpiece runner." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

Forage in the yard

“Instead of placing a star at the top of my Christmas tree, I'll take a handful of fallen sticks and tie them together at the top of the tree with a raffia bow. I'll also layer pine cones throughout my tree to balance out the glass ornaments for an organic, natural feel. - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

“I gather sticks cedar branches, along with magnolia, holly, boxwood and pine. I spread them around the bases of containers or arrange them in colorful tea tins. It’s an easy way to bring in greenery without spending too much money." - Susan Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs

“I love to add a garland of fresh greens around my dining room chandelier and hang ornaments from it. The fresh scent mixed with holiday cooking is wonderful."

- Jennifer Stoner, Jennifer Stoner Interiors

Look everywhere!

"Scatter some festive items that aren’t necessarily holiday themed. For example, we’ll set out some naturally shed antlers in the fall or a tuxedo hat around Christmas. I’ll mix in a few of these types of things that feel seasonally appropriate but aren’t necessarily traditional holiday decor." - Summer Thornton, Summer Thornton Design

"Give a corner of your home a holiday touch with just a handful of tweaks. We made a sitting area more festive by adding new pillows (they needn’t have an overt holiday motif – a wintery look works just as well), some evergreen cuttings from the yard (with a few sprigs of berries), a stack of wrapped gifts, a scarf and bow for our deer, and a teddy bear found in the attic." – Chris Stout-Hazard, Roger + Chris

Photo courtesy of Chris Stout-Hazard.

"Gather objects with a similar color scheme. I pull out all of my white and silver anything and group them together - candle holders, vases, pots, ribbon. Then I go to my neighbors' yards for magnolia and holly cuttings and get laurel out of my own yard. I just keep everything green, white and silver - jumbled together it works." - Lesley Glotzl

"Repurpose a metallic vessel into a vase for displaying rich greenery or arrangements of holiday objects. A brass champagne cooler, a bright silver trophy cup or even small copper mugs could work perfectly. Add fresh pops of red with cranberries, pomegranates, deep-red apples or even a few red roses." - Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Photo courtesy of Kerrie Kelly.

Top photo from Zillow listing.

Related:

How to Decorate Simply for the Holidays (With Big Impact)

Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags

Entertaining Essentials: 5 Items Every Host Needs

[danielgreen01]

The Secret to No-Fuss Holiday Decor? Use What You Already Have

Hold your holiday decor horses! Before you purchase gobs of tinsel and piles of twinkle lights, take another look at items you already have - they may be the holiday embellishment you've been looking for.

By hunting through your cabinets and closets, you can easily repurpose common household items into yuletide decor for your abode. Need a little inspiration? These design experts share how they style up everyday objects into festive flourishes.

Dig through the craft closet

"Bust out the burlap! I've been known to use burlap for anything from tablecloths to a Christmas tree skirt. It's so versatile and lends an organic, rustic vibe." - Brooke Wagner, Brooke Wagner Design

"Roll out brown or black butcher paper on your table like a runner. It somehow elevates everything you set on it. Plus, you can write your guests names on it in black marker (or chalk marker for black paper) instead of place cards." - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Paint a wall with chalkboard paint. It’s the perfect themed accent wall that's fun and creative, and it gets the kids involved, too." - Melissa Martin Molitor, MMM Designs-Interiors

Photo courtesy of Melissa Martin Molitor.

"Tie ribbon on everything! Thread it through chandeliers or banisters. Or put festive printed fabric in picture frames and scatter them throughout the house." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

Scour the kitchen cupboards

"Place a set of teacups on a pretty tray, and fill each cup with a succulent or small flower arrangement. Or create a centerpiece by placing candles on a serving tray or cake stand." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

“Fill a large glass serving bowl - or maybe a punch bowl or trifle bowl - with whatever seasonal item you want. Just use the same thing so it looks purposeful and pretty.” - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Take an ordinary flower vase, and stick glass ornaments inside with a string of white lights. It's a pretty display that’s simple and creative!" - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

Ransack the fridge

"Dried fruit garland is still classic and sweet. Take a needle and thread to some popcorn, cranberries or dried sliced oranges, and string it up wherever you want to!" - Jenn Muirhead, Jennifer Muirhead Interiors

"Cut up fresh fruit and put it in a pitcher before adding flowers for a centerpiece. Throw in some cloves and cinnamon sticks for added flair. For a dash of festivity, use oranges with cloves in them for place card settings." - Christine Estep, Jackson Thomas Interiors

Sift through the closet

"Use a vintage plaid throw as a tablecloth or runner. Or decorate a small tabletop tree with jewelry or ribbon." - Katie Schroder, Atelier Interior Design

"Repurpose one of your favorite scarves as a cozy centerpiece runner." - Gita Jacobson, In The Deets

Forage in the yard

“Instead of placing a star at the top of my Christmas tree, I'll take a handful of fallen sticks and tie them together at the top of the tree with a raffia bow. I'll also layer pine cones throughout my tree to balance out the glass ornaments for an organic, natural feel. - Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors

“I gather sticks cedar branches, along with magnolia, holly, boxwood and pine. I spread them around the bases of containers or arrange them in colorful tea tins. It’s an easy way to bring in greenery without spending too much money." - Susan Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs

“I love to add a garland of fresh greens around my dining room chandelier and hang ornaments from it. The fresh scent mixed with holiday cooking is wonderful."

- Jennifer Stoner, Jennifer Stoner Interiors

Look everywhere!

"Scatter some festive items that aren’t necessarily holiday themed. For example, we’ll set out some naturally shed antlers in the fall or a tuxedo hat around Christmas. I’ll mix in a few of these types of things that feel seasonally appropriate but aren’t necessarily traditional holiday decor." - Summer Thornton, Summer Thornton Design

"Give a corner of your home a holiday touch with just a handful of tweaks. We made a sitting area more festive by adding new pillows (they needn’t have an overt holiday motif – a wintery look works just as well), some evergreen cuttings from the yard (with a few sprigs of berries), a stack of wrapped gifts, a scarf and bow for our deer, and a teddy bear found in the attic." – Chris Stout-Hazard, Roger + Chris

Photo courtesy of Chris Stout-Hazard.

"Gather objects with a similar color scheme. I pull out all of my white and silver anything and group them together - candle holders, vases, pots, ribbon. Then I go to my neighbors' yards for magnolia and holly cuttings and get laurel out of my own yard. I just keep everything green, white and silver - jumbled together it works." - Lesley Glotzl

"Repurpose a metallic vessel into a vase for displaying rich greenery or arrangements of holiday objects. A brass champagne cooler, a bright silver trophy cup or even small copper mugs could work perfectly. Add fresh pops of red with cranberries, pomegranates, deep-red apples or even a few red roses." - Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Photo courtesy of Kerrie Kelly.

Top photo from Zillow listing.

Related:

How to Decorate Simply for the Holidays (With Big Impact)

Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags

Entertaining Essentials: 5 Items Every Host Needs

from Zillow Porchlight http://ift.tt/2hZ9OcX via IFTTT