My Design Secrets » gift

Home-Related Gifts for Guys

tim — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:25:03 +0000

Yvonne from Opp, Alabama was the lucky winner in our Target.com $250 Gift Card giveaway. Way to go Yvonne! All of you be sure and enter our new giveaway for the chance to win a $250 Amazon.com Gift Card!

While Lorrie is out with her (Lorrie Browne Interiors) clients today, she has asked me to write today’s post. She thought it would be a good idea for me to suggest a few unique gifts for the home that guys would like to receive around the holidays. Hope it gives you some good ideas!

Vino anyone? This 16 Bottle Wine Refrigerator would put a smile on any wine loving guys face. $169.99

A signed photograph of his favorite player says that you are OK with him watching 10 hours of football every Sunday. $1,250

The accessories he uses most stay organized and accessible with this pebbled leather valet. It has three open compartments to hold watches, money clips and wallets. The lidded compartment is ideal for jewelry and other valuables. On Sale $26.00

This Table Top Air Hockey game would be a great gift for either the Big or Little guy in your home. $79.99

Good luck shopping for the man (men) in your life.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

~Tim (aka Lorrie’s husband)

June Weddings lead to Nesting Necessities

My Design Secrets — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:51:19 +0000

I came across some interesting statistics this morning with regard to wedded bliss. The first one’s not a shocker: June is the most popular month for weddings, then August, followed by September, October, and May. The second one, even I find unbelievable: During their engagement, couples will spend $4 billion on furniture and $3 billion on housewares each year! So for those of you who are stumped on an appropriate wedding gift, look to the Nest!

Fine Sheets are a Luxury – And every newly hitched couple should have them. If they don’t have their color scheme nailed down yet, you cannot go wrong with pristine white sheets. Organic cotton is a nice touch.

A Bottle of Red, A Bottle of White - Sitting down to a glass of perfectly chilled wine is one of life’s little luxuries. Even the tightest spaces can spare room for a six-bottle cooler.

The Gift of Choice - Cash usually goes to boring necessities like gasoline and food:-) While a gift card guides them to a store that will make their house a home!

Shop My Secret Database for the Happy Couple!

Statistics courtesy of About.com.

Mother’s Day Home Decorating Gifts

My Design Secrets — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:34:19 +0000

It’s time to celebrate the Heart and Soul of our dear Moms. They nurture us, worry over us and celebrate our victories. For that, they deserve at least one day of honor! As you consider gifts of flowers, chocolates and jewelry, I would like to offer you some ideas that hit a little closer to Home.

Current Photos – What Grandmother doesn’t have a brag book with photos of her cherubs? Keep her up to date whether she is near or far. The Ceiva Digital Photo Frame allows anyone with a computer to send photos to Mom and they will appear magically before her very eyes. The frames come in several finishes to compliment her decor.

Rest and Relaxation – Memory Foam mattresses are luxurious but can be a bit pricey. On the other hand, Memory foam Mattress Toppers are affordable and a snap to install. They improve support and will reduce pressure on her body. She will feel refreshed and revived.

New Faucet – Aging hands and arthritis can make it difficult to turn the knobs on faucets. Surprise Mom with a fashionable new faucet with levers that are easy to turn. The Danze South Sea Faucet from Fixture Universe has a modern bamboo motif with a brushed nickel finish. Don’t forget to include installation.

Enjoy the day and make sure you share My Design Secrets with Mom!

Throw Around Some Color

My Design Secrets — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:58:00 +0000

Merino Wool Throw from Pendleton

On a chilly day there are few things that bring more comfort than a great throw blanket. You can use it sitting in a chair or in bed while reading or to put over you legs while watching TV. I live in Florida so this does not happen often but we are in the middle of a cold snap so my interest in additional warmth is high right now!

There are so many beautiful styles and materials. From Merino wool to cashmere or a quilt. I genuinely think this is something worth splurging a little on. For the number of times a throw gets used, its cost per use is pennies!

Area Trio Throw from Pillows and Throws – It’s reversible

Some other uses both decorative and practical:

Throw one over the arm or back of a chair or sofa to add some color.
Place a folded large throw at the foot of your bed for a great layered look that is super useful in the middle of a cold night.
Keep a blanket in your car. You never know when you want to picnic spontaneously or someone might want to take a nap.
Give one as a gift. You cannot go wrong!
Put one out on your porch swing and enjoy a snuggle!

Keep warm!