Tree Farm Flannel Bedding from Garnet Hill. They specialize in whimsical themes.

The nights are getting colder and the electric bill keeps climbing so it’s time to get creative in your quest for coziness.  What’s number one on my list?  Flannel sheets.  They are cuddly, warm and are a wonderful addition to your decor.  For me, that’s winning the triple crown.  So, I scoured the web for some beautiful and affordable options with a few coupons thrown in for good measure.  Enjoy as you settle in for a long winters nap!

~Lorrie

Garnet Hill (above)

$10 off $50 or more ~ Use Coupon Code: G8KMENT

Expires:  December 31, 2009 11:59 PM ET

If thoughts of the tropics keep you warm, then consider the Caribbean colors of these flannel sheets from JCPenney.

JCPenney

15% Off ~ Coupon Code: TRKYJCPC

Expires: 12/01/2008

Grandma's floral flannel nightgown may not be your style but these sheets from Linen Source are wonderfully Victorian and they are on sale.

Linen Source

Luxury Flannel Sale

Linensource through Shop.com

$5 off a purchase of $50+ with coupon code BRDH5.
$10 off a purchase of $100+ with coupon code BRDH10.
Do not use Guest Checkout if you want to use a coupon!
Valid through: December 31, 2008

You can always depend on LL Bean for good solid basics. Their "Mix and Match" flannel bedding allows you to pick your favorite combination. Don't forget the guest room or Aero bed!

LLBean

Free $10 Gift Card with purchase of $50 or more.

The stylish paisley of this "No Iron Perfect Flannel Paisley Sheet Set" from Land's End is big on style and comfort.

Lands End

Land’s End Flannel Overstocks

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You can use this great little sauce boat and ladle for sweet toppings or gravies. I find the little ladle irresistible.

One of my favorite parts of entertaining is setting the table in a unique way for each gathering.  This is much easier to do if you start with the basics.  I really love the Villeroy & Boch china that Tim and I chose for our wedding.  But when I registered, I did not see the sense of getting all the extras such as a sugar bowl, gravy boat and butter dish.  They are often the most expensive and get the least use.  Years ago I had purchased all these items in clear glass from Crate & Barrel because they were inexpensive and chic.  And they still look great today; so why replace them?  Clear glass adds a little sparkle and saves a whole lot of money, plus then you have the freedom to decorate your table with any accent color you desire.

Guest really appreciate easy access to some cold drinking water. Fill it up ahead of time with lemon slices, water and cubes. The cubes will melt by the time guest arrive so the water will be chilled but easy to pour.

Made of European hand-blown and molded glass, this set is only $36.95.

Nothing says classic like hurricane lamps filled with flickering candles. They are beautiful and don't block sparkling conversation like flower arrangements sometimes do.

They are calling these individual butter dishes but I think 2 or 3 people could share. Place a few throughout the table so everyone can reach.

So take stock now and make sure you have everything you need.  If not, fill in the blanks and take advantage of these deals at Crate & Barrel. 

Free Shipping on orders $100 or more.

Shop the Thanksgiving Sale!

Be sure to ask if you have any Holiday Decorating Questions.  I am here to help!

~Lorrie

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We will have poster prints available soon!

Though I usually don’t regale you with stories of my family (and there are some doozies), I want to share some great news with you.  We have been celebrating with my Uncle Vinnie because he turned 80 years old last week AND he won 1st prize in a local art show for one of his gorgeous watercolor paintings.  He is an amazing guy whose done it all.  He’s a veteran of WWII, has owned 2 pizzerias, was a contractor in Palm Beach and has been painting for years.  This particular watercolor is so realistic that it has been mistaken for a photograph.  

In a couple of weeks we are going to be introducing you to an extensive collection of Uncle Vinnie’s work.  We will also take a look at the man behind the brush.  In the meantime, we would like to thank the Wellington Art Society for their support and recognition.  Congrats Uncle Vinnie!!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

~Lorrie

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This Old Vine Round Dining Table is made from 100-year-old vines and is brought back to life by a skilled artist.

I am a Food Network junkie!  But it’s not all about the food, it’s the whole lifestyle.  I love Giada’s earthy Italian recipes, The Barefoot Contessa’s well-designed home, and I’d like to hang out with the quirky Alton Brown.  But the guy who has the total package is Michael Chiarello.  He lives and works out of his fantastic home in the picturesque Napa Valley, he creates incredibly flavorful and simple recipes and when he hosts a friendly get-together on his his show, his friends look light and breezy, like they do this all the time.  I want to be light and breezy while I enjoy Warm Peach Prociutto Salad and a nice Cabernet!

In addition to two television shows and a family vineyard, he also has a company called Napa Style that sells great gourmet supplies as well as home furnishings.  What is Napa Style?  It’s a home that has a nice easy Italian-Spanish look where family, friends, kids and pets are always welcome.  Think gently worn woods with curved iron details and fabrics in rich tones.  The website features unexpected accessories that are fun but not too kitchy.  And the only shine that you see is on the copper pots in the kitchen.  I spotted a nice little bench from the collection in Better Homes and Gardens and it inspired me to see what else Napa Style has to offer. 

I love these pendant lights with their hand-blown look. They would look great over a kitchen island.

This is the Woven Leather Bench that drew me to the website. A perfect spot to kick off your boots.

The Barrel Stave Mirror is edged by a metal hoop from a vintage wine barrel. The face is reclaimed pine.

This Scrolled-Iron Side Table is perfect next to an arm chair or any tight spot where style is key.

The site provides a lot of cool ideas and great inspiration with menus and tabletop inspiration.  Let me know what you think of Napa Style and please share your favorite recipes and wine tips with me.  I am all ears!

~Lorrie

Michael on TV

All About Michael

Chiarello Family Vineyards

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Beautiful papier mache ornaments from India. The bells actually ring! Novica ($24.99 for a set of 4)

Fair Trade helps support international tradespeople by allowing them to achieve livable wages and learn sustainable business practices that aim to break the cycle of poverty.  In some cases, when Fair Trade overlaps with Eco-Friendly as a result of the work methods and materials, you get double the benefit.  In many small developing countries, beautiful furnishings are made the old-fashioned way:  by hand, using sustainable materials in an energy efficient manner.  There are several innovative organizations that are introducing these vendors to an international audience which allows you to furnish your home like a globe-trotting super shopper.  I hope to entice you with some exotic and affordable items that you can enjoy in your home or share as a holiday gift. 

World of Good.com by Ebay launched recently and already has a great group of vendors. This pillow by Tilonia Home comes from a small village in India. ($29.95)

This Inscribed Vase from an artist in Bangladesh owes it design to the beautiful lines of the Bengali language where he has artfully written about the life of his family and his work as a potter. Ten Thousand Villages ($38.00)

The lovely silk and cotton table runner was made by a young woman in Thailand who has learned the art of weaving from her mother. Novica ($89.95)

There are many wonderfully inspirational stories of talents passed on from one generation to the next.  When we purchase something with a history behind it, it reinforces our connection with others and the value of items made my hand.  So browse around yourself and see what you think.  And be sure to share any other great Fair Trade websites that you have found!

~Lorrie

Ebay World of Good

Novica in association with National Geographic

Ten Thousand Villages

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Folding chairs never match so why not be brave and make a statement? Your guests will thank you in the end. :-)

Do you love the idea of finding gems at the flea market but don’t actually have the time to search?  Me too.  Whiling away the afternoon chatting with fellow treasure seekers sounds great but the fact is that you have to do an awful lot of hunting to find those little gems; they are few and far between.  That’s what I love about Anthropolgie, a store I discovered a few years ago.  I came for the boutique inspired clothes and stayed for the divine decor.  They have loads of cool items including lamps, bedding, hardware and wallpaper.  They have nailed the vintage, kitchsy look but with a very cool attitude, plus the prices are just right.  Here’s a few items that I love.

The Coral Courtyard Curtain is batiked linen. $108 for 108" panels.

The Mantadia Pillow features a traditional print is cotton with wool embroidery.($128)

I doubt you have seen more fanciful knobs!

Koi dessert plates are a great way to dress up plain china. ($12)

So leave the dust and moth ball smell behind with vintage-looking items from Anthropologie!

~Lorrie

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Country Sunrise

Daylight Savings starts on Saturday night and not a moment too soon!  It’s hard to get up in the morning all year round but when it’s cold AND dark, that’s a whole different story.  So in honor of daylight savings and making it easier to get up in the morning, I have a few ideas to help you along.

The Peaceful Progression Wake-Up Clock let's you ease into the day with subtle light, sublime aromas and pleasant sounds.

Wake Up - For those of you who have a fairly dependable internal clock but need some back up just in case, the Peaceful Progression Wake-Up Clock may be just the ticket.  I received mine as a Christmas gift from my sister and I LOVE it.  Here’s the deal - a half an hour before the set time, a very dim light comes on and slowly brightens over the next half an hour.  It also starts warming the aromatherapy beads and the scent of your choice wafts through the room.  15 minutes before the alarm, the speakers gently play the natural sound of your choice (there are 6, I like the songbirds).  It is like naturally waking up to the sun.  In a world where it’s easy to lose touch with natural rhythms, this is a breath of fresh air.

The Honeywell RTH6300B Deluxe 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat - Available at Home Depot for $49.96

Warm Up - With energy prices soring and unpredictable weather patterns, it’s hard to find a temperature in your home that is just right.  I know a lot of people like to keep it a bit cool when they sleep so they can cozy up in a down comforter but that makes it hard to come out of hibernation.  A good way to remedy this is to buy a programmable digital thermostat, install it and USE IT! I am guilty of not doing the third part.  They are easy to program and turning up the heat a little before you get out of bed can make it a much cozier morning.

The Fine T 4-cup Tea Machine will great you with herbal, black or green tea. The choice is yours.

Fill Up - Coffee drinkers have been spoiled for years with fancy coffee makers that can be programmed so the blissful aroma of coffee wafts into their room before they even rise.  Tea lovers unite!  Now we have the same luxury with the Fine T 4-Cup Gourmet Tea Machine.  It brews any type of loose tea, has a 24-hour timer and 7 different settings for different varietals.  Tea anyone?

I hope these little tips make it easier to wake up and greet the day with a smile:-)

~Lorrie

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This solid brass grille, with a low-luster lacquered finish, comes in many sizes and features a beautiful Gothic design.

Chilly weather has descended on Florida.  Stop laughing, 50 degrees is cold for us and that’s what it was when I was wandering around in the dark this morning!  (Is anyone else ready for the time change?)  Anyway, I actually turned on the heat just to get the house up to 70 and that’s when my mind turned to vents and the grilles that cover them.  Are you ready replace the ones in your home that have five coats of paint and louvers that won’t budge?  The problem is that many people don’t know that there is a vast selection of great grilles to choose from and that’s where I come in.  Since I always say that good design is in the details, I will show you some grilles with intricate designs and fantastic finishes that are worth a second glance.

This Resin Venetian Rope Grill is offered in 30 finishes, including a primer if you want to do your own. It would have a modern look in black or metallic silver.

This Contemporary Brass Floor Register with Louvers is available in 6 finishes and many sizes. It has a 5 year finish warranty.

This round over wood grille provides a good transition to the floor and is available in 100 wood species to match your floor.

Find the Grille of your Dreams in My Secret Database!

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The Hampton Coffee Table from Williams Sonoma Home has a very high-end look with a beautiful mahogany veneer finish and unusual shape. The size is great for a large seating area (44"x 30"). Was $1350, now $749.99.

There are some unbelievable deals out there.  The designs are great but the prices were a bit too dear.  Now they are on sale and you have the opportunity to purchase some pretty luxurious items at more down-to-earth prices.  I’ll show you…

This is a great time to try organic sheets from Anna Sova. 460 thread count, organic, Italian sheets. Need I say more? Champagne Queen Set was $634, now $380.40.

A small luxury but I love this table runner for Thanksgiving from Gumps. Was $70, now $29.99.

This classic yet modern acrylic lamp from WS Home adapts to any color scheme. Was $395, now $169.99.

8' x 11' Calvin Klein Cobalt Night Rug from Macy's. Was $6,400, now $2,239.97.

Marlow Upholstered Chair in Stone Linen from WS home has a great frame and would work well with classic and modern looks. Was $1,450, now $749.99.

Have fun shopping and don’t forget to click on the “Clearance” or “Sale” sections on each vendor’s website!

~Lorrie

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