Mums the word...

...And so are pansies and winter herbs.

As the oppressive heat subsides and we take a look at the shape of our poor gardens, things may not look so good. By now it should be obvious that no amount of water can help, it's time to pull. Now is a great time to get your fall garden going with some simple ideas.

Mums - Sprucing up your garden with mums is the easiest way to make a fast fall statement. Mums are available in a wide variety of colors to complement the season and come packaged nicely in their own container. Simply place where needed and your garden comes alive. Best part of all - you don't even have to get your hands dirty!

Pansies - Cooler temps make a great welcoming for pansies, and like mums, they come in a variety of colors. Position like-colored pansies in clumping patterns to make a bold statement. Use colors that complement the style of your home. Be creative with patterns and become the envy of the neighborhood.

Winter Herbs - Why not create a garden that is not only beautiful but functional? Herbs are the perfect way to do just that. And for those with limited garden space, herbs are the perfect choice. They grow nicely in containers that can be place on porches, stairs, or anywhere around your home. Check out these winter herb selections:

• Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Try the dense, more compact form with smaller leaves, called 'Spicy Globe.' This one is easy to grow from seed, and needs bright light and warm temperatures.
• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): This member of the onion family is best used fresh. It is difficult to preserve chives that still maintain their good flavor, so they are a good choice for indoor gardening. 'Grolau' is an especially good variety for indoors, and can be started from seed. Chives prefer bright light and cool temperatures.
• Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): This plant does not grow back after harvesting, so make successive plantings of cilantro to have a continuous crop for your favorite Mexican or Asian dishes. Cilantro tends to repel insects, so it makes a good companion plant for indoors.
• Dill (Anethum graveolens): A dwarf form, called 'Fernleaf,' grows only 18 inches tall, making it more suitable for indoor gardening than the standard types that often grow to 4 feet tall. Like cilantro, you'll need to make successive plantings to ensure a continuous crop.
• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): The soothing fragrance of lemon and honey make this an herb to enjoy fresh in salads and drinks. Its bright green foliage and prolific growth make lemon balm an attractive houseplant. This is an easy one to grow from seed.
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum): This is the true Greek oregano with a sharp, pungent flavor, best for Mediterranean cooking. It can be grown from seed. There is a look-alike called wild, or pot, marjoram with pretty pink flowers, but almost no flavor.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): The more compact form called 'Blue Boy' must be purchased or propagated by cuttings; seeds germinate poorly. The soil for rosemary must be well drained, but do not let it dry out completely.
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Many varieties of thyme are available that are useful in cooking and in herbal craft projects. They have similar aromatic properties and some varieties have unique scents, like lemon or caraway thymes. If starting the plants from seed, cover the seed only lightly with soil or not at all. Keep the plants evenly moist until they are well established.

Revamped Armoires

Are you looking for a creative storage solution? Perhaps an armoire is the answer! Whether you are looking for extra room to store linens, need a home office, or just a place to de-clutter craft supplies, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the possibilities an armoire can present. Simply start with a basic armoire - unfinished or simply outdated. Rethink its purpose and storage potential. Then get creative with paint, wallpaper, stencils, etc. You'll have a stylish focal point for your room in no time!

Get inspired by the 8 examples below:

Photo Source: Better Homes and Gardens

With a fresh coat of turquoise paint, this repurposed armoire brightens the room as a pretty baking cabinet. Bifold doors conceal baking items and ensure accessibility. Shelves encourage tidiness within, making it easy to store mixing bowls, sprinkles, and ingredients. Make use of every bit of space by grouping supplies by use. Keep large or frequently used items, such as bowls and a mixer, on lower shelves so they are easy to reach. Clear canisters store essential ingredients and allow you to see contents at a glance. Overlooked spaces under the top shelf and along the armoire's back wall are made storage-friendly with shelf-mount hooks and a magnetic bar to hang recipes from.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

This vintage-inspired bedroom armoire has oodles of ways to keep things tidy. Each pair of shoes has its own compartment, and clear-front doors keep them paired up and free from scratches. Bins and boxes to neatly corral belts, headbands, and other small accessories adorn the shelves, leaving enough room on other shelves for a row of upright purses and stacked shirts. Mirrors on the upper and lower doors make it easy to look good from head to toe. Tired of digging for a matching pair of earrings? Searching for a scarf that has gone out of sight? Consider folding scarves and placing in drawers. Organizing earrings in drawer compartments also makes an excellent storage solution.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Revamp an armoire with wallpaper and ribbon trim. Adhere rectangles of wallpaper to the front of an armoire with decoupage medium. Trim the rectangles with ribbon to finish the look. Inside, this cabinet is ready for some serious crafting. Magnetic boards are attached to the inside of the doors, and pegboard covers the back. Add even more benefit to a storage armoire with a pullout work surface. A piece of painted plywood underneath a shelf rolls out on a mounted drawer glide. A strip of wood placed on the front of the pullout desk finishes the desk and catches any wayward pencils.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Entertainment storage for wine glasses, serving trays, and drink accessories is a must, but it often runs in short supply. A sturdy armoire, with a few customizations, is a great place to keep delicate items safe and easily accessible. Consider taking advantage of unused space with clever storage solutions. Here, wine glasses are suspended from the underside of the top shelf. Colorful trays conserve space by standing upright, and clear glass containers corral drink umbrellas.

Photo Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Create a storage extension anywhere in your home by using a wide armoire to hold often-used items such as detergent, pet treats, and cleaning supplies. A small rod on one side provides enough space for several clothing items to dry, and extra shelves are perfect for keeping supplies tidy. Create an instant message center on an innerdoor panel with a simple bulletin board. Use the message board to post chore lists and cleaning tip sheets.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Towels and linens stack neatly in this pastel armoire. Matching bins house other bedroom accessories, such as decorative pillows and bedding. For a touch of elegance, fold a pillowcase over the edge of a bin to display its decorative lace trim. Store extra blankets out of sight in the bottom cabinet. Use the top of the armoire to display colored vases.

Photo Source: Better Homes and Gardens

No more searching around the house for your favorite movies and magazines. This armoire relies on labeled boxes to corral entertainment essentials. Using coordinating baskets is a stylish and strategic way to keep games, CDs, and DVDs organized. Find smart ways to expand storage space where you need it most. Mount a small box to the inside of the armoire door to store multiple remotes. This box keeps remotes in an easy-to-reach location, right inside the entertainment armoire.

Photo Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Contain a whole home office inside an armoire with a few clutter-concealing solutions. An upper shelf corrals reference books and magazine holders. Essential supplies such as pencils, scissors, and notepads have a place on the desktop, too, all kept in order with desk organizers. Decorative fabric creates an attractive backdrop when a bland space needs a makeover. A splash of sunny yellow helped transform this once-boxy armoire into a standout workstation. Cut corkboard panels to size and cover with fun patterned fabric. Mount the corkboard on the armoire's back wall and inner doors for a practical place to hang your calendar, stamps, and reminders.

Thinking of trying out some of these tips with your armoire? Load photos of your finished product up on our Facebook page! We would love to see what you create. Get inspired by seeing this full article by Better Homes and Gardens here. 

Ten Beach Vacation Tips

It's summertime! Headed to a sandy beach or possibly a resort? We have rounded up ten tricks to add a special flair to your summertime vacation plans!

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Shark Cupcakes

Look out for paper fins slicing through those icing waves! Simply cut blue triangles out of craft paper and sit in your icing dyed with blue food coloring. Prefer a predator free zone? Simply add a parasol umbrella straw to your finely ground graham cracker crust cupcake!

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Pocketed Beach Towel

A creative way to keep your belongings from getting lost in the sand! Corner pockets are a simple stitch to add to any beach towel or blanket. Click here to get all the directions!

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Tic-Tac Towel

By simply adding a few strips of ribbon with fabric glue to your beach towel, you have created a fun game to entertain your little ones for hours. In lieu of the traditional X's and O's and in keeping with your beach theme, spray paint shells collected at the beach opposite colors.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

The Beach Cover-Up

A beach coverup is essential and we found this no fuss creation you can make yourself! Simply stitch two cotton scarves together for a quick cover-up with Bohemian flair! View the steps here!

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Shell Vase

A wide-mouthed shell can easily double as a small vase for bedroom bouquets. To create your own, place a piece of floral adhesive to a plate (just enough to hold the shell upright). Stick the shell to the adhesive and then place a weight (a fishing sinker for example) inside to help hold it in its place. Fill the shell half-way with water and then add flowers. The flowers featured in the photo are the purple scabiosa and the white phlox. Lastly, arrange pebbles around the shell. They will ass a finishing touch and further stabilize the display.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Picnic Plates

Lunch at the beach deserves the proper dishes! What could be more fitting than crab, seagull, and sun plates? You'll find these solid color paper plates at any party store. To get a shape template, click here!

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Sea Shell Wreath

Take the beach home with you... literally! It's so simple... simply collect the shells at the beach. Don't worry if they are all different colors. Worry about finding shells with a common shape... a light mist of white spray paint will quickly even out the color! At a local craft store, purchase a styrofoam wreath. You will hot glue the shells to the wreath starting at one section and gradually moving around the wreath. String or rope can be added for hanging.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Simple Sarong

A simple sarong makes the perfect beach cover-up! Want to make your own?

To get a shape template, click here!

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Beach Bag Key Ring

Losing a set of keys in the sand can really put a damper on your day. It's easy to keep them close at hand with a steel shower curtain ring. Simply clip the ring onto the handle of your bag and slip on your key ring. You'll always have your keys in sight! 

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Personalized Beach Tote

Whether you are taking towels to the beach, fruit from the farmers' market, or gardening tools from the shed, tote bags always live up to their name. However, they don't need to look humble. A bold initial or  vivid pattern can make a canvas bag newly stylish... and unique to its owner. Click here for full instructions!

As always, we would love to see your creations! Show them off to us on our Facebook page!

For more great summer beach tips, visit our article source.

Vintage Fish Plates and Bottles

When researching a post on displaying collections of dishes and miscellaneous collectible antiques, I came across this article about vintage fish plates and bottles. I have often seen these collectible items, but never knew their history or origin. Hope you find this information to be interesting as well! Source: Martha Stewart.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

No one knows for certain when the first fish dishes surfaced, but one speculation is that the items were tamer takes on quirky Victorian majolica, richly shaded earthenware depicting scenes from nature, including underwater vignettes. From these colorful depths emerged simpler pieces that celebrated a single creature: the humble fish, long a symbol of life and fertility. These dishes, manufactured from the mid-nineteenth century through the twentieth century, were ceramic, porcelain, glass, silver, cast iron, or cast aluminum. Many were souvenirs from coastal cities. Others carried goods -- spirits from Portugal, wine from Italy -- produced by areas celebrating their maritime heritage. On the other side of the world, in Japan, fish-shaped china appeared on tables, a serving idea still in good use. And one of the most enduring designs, a bottle whose neck protrudes from a fish's gaping mouth, was manufactured on the Delaware River, in Philadelphia, in the late nineteenth century.


To start your own collection, cast a line at yard sales, flea markets, or online auctions. Although a devoted collector might spend thousands on a complete set of well-preserved plates, the casual buyer can procure a single dish for a few dollars. Seek out streamlined shapes, and group them by color. Then consider mounting the collection against a marine-inspired backdrop, such as blue-green wallpaper or cool-colored tiles. The pieces also will look right at home with all kinds of sea-associated specimens and delights. Surround them with beach shells, antique nautical knickknacks, or decorative coral in hefty lumps or spindly branches. And before you know it, you'll be hooked.

Wines and spirits from nations close to the sea, including Italy and Portugal, came in bottles shaped like fish (this page); the small, round vessel once held perfume, while the white one is a reproduction of an 1860s bitters bottle.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

An Art Deco platter from the 1930s coasts above fish-shaped dishes and molds gathered on an entryway shelf; the handled cup near the center is a creamer.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Three sizes of ceramic fish plates from the early to mid-twentieth century are the settings on a marine-green table; silver-plated, fish- shaped salt and pepper shakers, antique fishing floats reminiscent of giant bubbles, and decoupage seaweed-motif trays are all part of the theme.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Skimming an end table under a coral fern are a ceramic baking dish roomy enough for a whole fish and a reproduction bitters bottle.

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Multiple dishes, a bronze sculpture, a giant clam shell, and a nineteenth-century French table with legs cast as mythical dolphins capture a cat's attention; the two small fish floating in from the top right are Victorian milk glass, while the top round plate was part of a 1940s tuna company promotion.

Article Source: Martha Stewart

12 Weekend Projects Under $20

We're always excited to find home improvement tips that not only look great, but are inexpensive as well! Sometimes it's the smallest changes that can make the biggest difference in the way a room functions. Get inspired by these 12 easy changes that can easily be made for under $20. Update your home this weekend!

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 1: ADD A LOWER BAR  -  Adding a lower bar to your closet lets your hang tops above bottoms and can effectively double your closet space. You may need to move the existing rod up a bit to accommodate the arrangement. In addition to allowing for more space, we've found that this also makes creating an outfit a breeze!

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 2: INCREASE LIGHTING  -  Install an additional fixture to shed light on a dim area. Think about dark closets or corners where you sit and read. Small lamps and candles also look great on the mantle.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 3: UPDATE WITH PAINT  -  Breathe new life into an old piece of furniture with a fresh coat of paint. For wood pieces, remove dirt or wax build up with a household cleaner and rinse. Sand rough areas and wipe away dust. Apply two coats of stain-blocking primer and allow to dry in between coats. Roll or brush on two coats of latex paint in the direction of the wood grain. Use a brush to finish surface with smooth strokes. Viola! An old piece of furniture that feels brand new!

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 4: ADD A DIVIDER  -  Drawer and cabinet dividers are a must when it comes to keeping pans, lids, spatulas, and chip clips in their respective places. Some units match your cabinetry for a completely  custom look. Snap a photo of your cabinets / drawers  and measure out some specs. Head over to the hardware store where specialist can assist you in matching and even cutting the wood for your specific dimensions.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 5: UPDATE WITH HARDWARE  -  Update a cabinet or a desk in your home with new hardware! Replace the pulls and knobs on any drawer in your home. This simple update will keep the wood free of messy fingerprints and add a finished look to any room in your home.

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 6: ORGANIZE YOUR ENTRYWAY  -  Hang a hook for each family member near the door where belongings typically get tossed upon entry. When coats and totes have a home, you'll feel super organized as you grab and go each day.

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 7: ADD EXTRA STORAGE  -  Create a between-the-studs shelf or cubbyhole where you need a little extra storage, especially in a bathroom. Use the space to hold magazines, towels, and bath products.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 8: REPLACE WINDOW SHADES  -  Have the window shades in your kitchen been marred by repeated exposure to splashes and cooking liquids? Replace stained window coverings and see your kitchen in a whole new light.

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 9:  PUT TOWELS WITHIN REACH  -  Don't walk across the room to grab a towel! Add towel bars where you need them, or move current bars to make them more accessible. Hunt for bars the compliment existing bathroom hardware. Don't have room for a bar? Try placing a basket nearby with neatly folded towels. 

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 10: UPDATE YOUR DOOR  -  All it takes is a screwdriver and a few minutes to change clashing or poorly operating door hardware. Door looking less than attractive? Try a fresh coat of paint or stain!

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 11: ADD AN OUTDOOR PATH  -  Consider adding stepping stones where people walk across the grass each day. It's a simple job, but requires a little digging for the pavers. Make sure you have utility lines marked first!

 

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Online

TIP 12: INSTALL A WINDOW BOX  -  A perfect pop of color for summer! Dress up your windows with an herb or flower garden. Terra cotta units are an affordable option, but units can also be constructed from cedar planks. Attach your planter with brackets below a window.

As always, we would love to see your home improvement projects! Show them off on our Facebook page! Want to see even more Better Homes and Gardens tips? Click here to see the source of our article!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is fast approaching! This Sunday, surprise Dad with a thoughtful gift made my none other than you! (or maybe the kids!)  We've compiled a list of our favorites via MarthaStewart.com and would like to share them with you! Get inspired and get creative... because really, isn't it the thought that counts?

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Shadow box frames keep memories of special days alive forever. Think of a special day you and your father shared... memorialize that with souvenirs, photos, and special elements of the day. In the example above, the couple commemorated their daughter's birth by framing Father and Daughter's first photo, the ultrasound picture, her first hat, and hospital ribbon.

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Cooking for Dad is a sweet idea! What's even nicer is bottling up all that BBQ sauce you used in creating the meal! Simply fill a jar with the sauce, add a basting brush, a gift tag. It will be a special keepsake from a memorable dinner!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

For the golf enthusiast in the family, we found this cute cupcake idea! To decorate, add a thin layer of the icing of your choice. Cover the icing with green sprinkles for the green. A toothpick with triangular scrapbook paper can serve as a flag. The golf ball can be created with a dot of icing or any round candy. To create the sand, use a food processor to crush a graham cracker. These materials are just suggestions....Get creative!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Turn Dad's favorite treats into one of a kind gifts! Simply print out these clip art labels on your printer at home or at a document center. We recommend printing on a sticker format to make sure these labels have a little longevity! Dad is sure to be in for a special TREAT!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Transform a digital video into a still shot series of images. Simply play the video on your desktop, take screen shots of frame by frame, and bind them together in simple booklet. To see more information, click here!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Let the kids color on this basic office staple... the notepad! This thoughtful gift is sure to add a special touch to any office desk. Their messages will last well beyond Father's Day!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

A twist on the traditional tool set... for the Dad who travels, why not make a Travel kit? Tire pressure gauges, swiss army knife, flash light, pencil, and road maps will make the perfect addition to the vehicle!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Give Dad the gift that keeps on giving... a little elbow grease! Steel pails can be found at virtually any feed store! Hit up a local automotive store for the products. We recommend car wash, sponges, Armor All, wax, and an Absorber to dry it all up! Get creative and make a hang tag for the pail... or take it one step further and see idea #4 for creative product labels. 

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Instead of using traditional ribbon to wrap that wallet or money clip, think of using a bow tie to wrap Dad's gift! Bow ties fit around many small gifts. Functional and pretty!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Everyone loves a deal... especially Daddy! Give him a coupon booklet filled with unbelievable deals: 100 percent off a lawn mowing, car washing, delicious breakfast, and more! Your imagination is the limit!

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Dad's belts a disorganized mess? Make a handsome belt rack for his collection! To add the cup hooks (found at any hardware store) to the wood belt, you will need to drill holes with the appropriate-sized bit.   (If you try doing this without drilling, you run the risk of the wood rod splitting) Space all holes evenly, about 2 inches apart. If the screws of the hooks are too long, snip off ends with wire cutters before screwing them in.

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

Ties... what father hasn't gotten one? Whoever said that tie needed to go straight from the store to the gift box anyways? Try something a little more personal this Father's Day... Custom Embroidery! Choose the typeface, choose the placement, choose the initial(s) and have the tie embroidered. This one of a kind gift is sure to be cherished by Dad for years to come!

Hope these ideas help you create a memorable occasion for the special guy in your life.
As always, if you try any of these tips, be sure to post them on our Facebook! We love to see your creativity. To see more of the Martha Stewart gift ideas, click here. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!