New Year's Resolution

Last year every single resolutions came true in the first three months and I firmly believe its because I worked hard to put my positive energy into the world.  For 2013, I'm striving beyond the imaginable.

2012 Successes:
Bi-weekly television segments (Thanks Fox43)
Regugularly guest blogging for Bliss Home
Featured in HGTV November IPad Magazine
Apartment therapy post about my Flor tile mouse pad
Winner foe eCollege's Top DIY Blog
Tons of amazing client projects


Here goes 2013....

I would be honored to be featured in a national print magazine, named 2013 Best Local Blogger in Metropukse, additional HGTV videos and the opportunity to host educational workshops.

Eco-Gift Wrapping

Gift wrapping does not need to cost a fortune. I've created some samples of how you can make handmade, beautiful gift wrapping with items you may have already in your home. Please send me any additional ideas that you would be me to share with my followers, decorellaknox@gmail.com.

Trader Joe's bag

Magazine Wrapping

Kraft Paper

Even make your own bows. I created a couple from magazines but you can use craft paper, ribbon or wrapping paper. The lengths don't matter as long as you keep similar proportions. Make  them as big or as small as you desire.

Make your own bows

New Orleans Charm

I have just returned from a fabulous trip to New Orleans. It's become a regular destination on my schedule. I am so inspired by the New Orleans style. I love the sophistication that becomes so comfortable and casual in a completed space. 

New Orleans Charm by decorellaknox on Polyvore

French Quarter Bluestone Karastan Area Rug
lampsplus.com

Hekman New Orleans 1-1326 Upholstered Side Chair
modernfurniturewarehouse.com

Currey & Company Orleans Wall Sconce, Large
insideavenue.com

Flambeau Lighting Flambeau Comus Tall Buffet Table Lamp
lampsplus.com

Quoizel French Quarter Antique Brown 26" High Outdoor Hanging Light
lampsplus.com

DIY Star Light Star Bright

I love the holiday season and just about everything that comes it. The lights, shopping, decorations, sweets and parties makes me one happy girl. I wanted to spruce up my holiday decorations this year so I created a lighted star that would be perfect inside or outside. I completed this project for under $10 and less than 30 minutes.



Items Needed:
-String Lights (I used 100 bulb but 50 bulb string should work)
-5 Dowels (I used 36" x .5" dowels from Home Depot)
-Screws and Drill (I used 5/8" because my wood width is .5", yours may vary based on your wood pieces)
-Paint or Stain, optional
-Wood Glue (you could use wood glue to adhere the dowels together if you don't have a drill)

Begin by staining or painting your dowels to your desired look. Next, place you pieces in a star design, overlapping and rearranging until all 5 corners match up. Then glue or screw together your dowels on the corners where they meet. Lastly, starting at one end, wrap your lights around your star, fully covering all sides. Plug-in to admire your easy project.

Shop Local: Small Business Saturday

I love Small Business Saturday in conjunction with holiday shopping. I think the holiday season can be make-it or break-it for many small businesses. Here is where I will be shopping.

Bliss and Bliss Home I may be Bliss's best customer if they give out awards. They  have three locations for easy shopping, downtown on Market Square and in West Knoxville in the Gallery Shopping Center. Bliss has the gifts for the modern couple on your list. Home decor, clothing, accessorizes, and custom orders are their specialities. They have the best customer service too!

Fig and Company This newly opened store contains beautiful home decor items, candles, chairs, great jewelry, chocolates galore and stocking stuffers you'll need. Good luck trying not to buy yourself something. They are located in Bearden on Kingston Pike.

 

Nothing Too Fancy- Downtown on Union, this is the best shop for the coolest t-shirt, poster, and other screen printed gifts for the men and women on your list. Tell Lisa and Dustin that Danielle sent you.

Featured in HGTV iPad App

I just adore the HGTV iPad applications and have fallen in love with the HGTV SHELF magazine. To my greatest surprise a little birdie told me that my HGTV video would be fetaured in the newest issue. So.... check it out!!!


My Video

I am asking all of my blog followers to download the app ($.99 for the new issue) but I promise you won't regret it. It's full of DIY ideas, modern trends, and projects galore. Satisfaction guaranteed, by me!

Dream Dog Designs

I am in awe over these beautifully designed dog houses for the Austin, TX Barkitecture fundraiser. I am so inspired by their work. These dog houses may make you think differently about dog houses. I know I am inspired.

For more information about the event click HERE.

Outdoor Lighting

As you may know, we are knee deep into our outdoor remodeling and landscape design. I have learned a lot as we are mid-progress and I hope to not have any additional surprises.  By surprises, I'm talking financial surprises. If you see me on a street corner with a cardboard sign it would read "Need money, spent every last penny on backyard".

Just to give you a picture of how truly ugly the before image is, here is the carport that will be transformed into our new garden patio and enteraining oasis.

I can't stop pinning my dream backyard which would include intimate lighting to showcase the new design at night.

Modern Lighting

Glowing Cubes

Glowing Orbs

Battery Operated Torches


We are getting closer to the implementation process. Any advice would be greatly welcomed.

DIY Microwavable Hand Warmers

 

 

Here in Knoxville, TN is it that time of year to bundle up when going outside. My instructions for DIY microwavable hand warmers will be great to beat the cold but also makes a great stocking stuffer.

 

Items Needed:

Sewing Machine

Rice (I used white long grain, 1/2 cup per set)

Fleece Fabric (Cut in 4" x 4" pieces, four pieces needed per pair)

Decoration Fabric (Optional, cut in 4" x 4"pieces, four pieces needed per pair)

Lay your decorative fabric squares on top of your fleece. 

Match the 'right' side of your square on top, facing each other. 

Sew your pieces together leaving a 2 inch gap to turn your fabric inside out. 

Cut the corners for pointer corners when folded. 

Fold inside out through the 2 inch opening. 

Stuff your hand warmer with 1/4 cup rice.

Hand stitch or machine stitch your 2 inch opening to enclose the rice. 

Ta-da! To use, microwave for 30 seconds for 1 hour enjoyment. 

Optional add-in:

Scents- vanilla, herb or lavender- the fragrance will be heightened when microwaved

Optional use: 

Keep in the freezer as a cold pack for small injuries. 

Adaptation:

My instructions can be adapted to make a body heat pack, I made a 10" x 6" heat pack/ headache cool pack using the same method.