Not Your Grandma’s Humidifier! The Fourth “Must Have” of Eight for Winter 2013!

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Winter can bring out the best and worst in us all! It’s a festive time, yet the cold weather and extra heat, that we all need to stay warm, can be damaging to you and your home! Depending on where you live, dry or cold climates, you probably experience chapped lips, cracked hands, and a dry face that needs extra moister, plus a body that requires lots of water to keep it hydrated.  As you turn up the heat and light the fireplace inside your home, the same dryness that happens to your body applies to your furniture and hardwood floors! Eeeek … let’s not let this happen to you or your home!!!

My fourth “Must Have” for Winter 2013 is a humidifier! You may be a little shocked by this pick and ask why is this a “Must Have”?  I agree, it may not seem as fun as my other must have items, but it definitely serves a great purpose – and they actually can be very creative! Humidifiers don’t have to be boring, they actually are packed with a lot of punch, and are able to alleviate some of the minor but irritating causes of dry and cold to hot air – especially in the winter months. Cold air contains less moisture than warm air.  When you turn your heating system on, the blowing air makes a home even dryer, which can cause damage to your body and your home’s wood elements!

There are so many different humidifiers to choose from and I would suggest you research the various brands before you buy one, however just like most home appliances, humidifiers come in all sorts of creative shapes, amazing colors and perfect sizes. They are not just your Grandma’s humidifier they are now modern and sleek!

Here are a few of my picks! Just like my last few “Must Haves” the modern humidifier can be purchased at various price points … gotta love that!

photoGizmine Middle Colors, pricing from $119.00 – $179.00

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Oskar, $159.00

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Crane, $39.99-$49.99

Do you use any of these modern Humidifiers?  If so let me know what you think in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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Jewel Tones for Your Table: The Third “Must Have” of Eight for Winter 2013!

Simplicity_colors_fsWant to add festive winter glam to your table this season?  Jewel tone glassware is the perfect accessory for various occasions during the winter months.  Amethyst, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Amber are examples of deep jewel tone colors that represent reflections of the winter season. These colors will enhance even the most basic white dishware for not only winter but also during the holidays as well! If you love one color like Ruby Red then stick to it, but if you want to be a little more adventurous then think about using three colors or all five and watch your table or holiday party come-to-life!

Here are some great ideas to make your table come alive! Again, I have given you various options and many of the options are competitive!

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Horchow: “Iris” Glassware Blue, Red Amber and Green, priced from $33.75 – $43.50

photoTarget: Glassware Collection in Blue, Red, Amber and Green, priced from $28.19 – $32.59

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William-Sonoma: Holiday Red Cut Crystal Highball or Double Old-Fashion, Set of 4 $119.95

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William-Sonoma: Organic Green Wine Glass, Set of 4 $24.99

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William-Sonoma: Amethyst Double Old-Fashioned, Set of 4 $35.95

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Mark & Graham: Orange/Amber Monogrammed Wine Glass, Set of 4 $49.00

How do you add sparkle to your winter table? I’m always looking for ideas and I’d love to hear yours.  Leave me a comment below!

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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What Does the Fox Say? He Says this is The Second “Must Have” of Eight for Winter 2013!

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“What Does the Fox Say?” is one of 2013’s most watched videos on You Tube but it is right on trend with this year’s friendly animal must have!  That’s right, animal motifs are all the rage this year! From fashion to pop culture to home décor, having a splash of these beautiful creatures displayed in your wonderland is the second winter must have for 2013!

Again, I have found three options for all price ranges but the least expensive is my very favorite – I even own a set!

You can’t help but smile when you see West Elm’s, by designer Rachel Kozlowski, “Dapper Animal Plates!” Seriously how adorable are these little guys? They are all dressed up in their winter best!  These plates are perfect to add a lot of character to your table. And here is a fun fact, each animal was designed from real animals. Each plate is $8.00.

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Next, is the handmade Fox Pillow by Vixen Goods on Etsty. This accent pillow actually can be left out all year, however this little fox is a great addition to your 2013 winter home. He appears to be finding his way back to his den through the snowy winter forest. This designer also offers an array of various animal motifs including deer, pooches and kitties!  The featured Fox Pillow is $65.00.

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The last animal motif is more of a reflection, yet it makes a statement! Zinc Door’s “Weathered Resin Buck Antlers” by Lazy Susan come as a set of two.  Like the Fox Pillow they can also be left out year round but they should be a focal point for Winter.  I would suggest setting them on a show-off place like a coffee table or the mantel.  The antlers, set of two are $188.00.

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If you have an animal motif in your home that you love to display during the winter let me know!  I love seeing new ideas and adore your photos! Also, feel free to leave me a comment below …

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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The First “Must Have” of Eight for Your Winter Home 2013 – You’re Welcome!

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You don’t have to roll out the “Red Carpet” to make a great impression but you do have to make a great first impression! Your front door really does set the tone to the rest of your home sweet home!

My first must have for Winter 2013 is a fresh doormat! No matter if you are pinching pennies or have a bottomless budget you can make this happen!  I promise you, you want all visitors, family, friends and even your delivery person to actually feel welcomed to your home and not think … “oh well” when they set foot on your threshold.

Your home can be perfectly pristine inside but if your doormat is faded or unraveling your first impression may be a flop. Let’s not let that happen!  Here are a few ideas for all budgets:

Target‘s Mohawk Home Koora Circles: $9.99:

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Amazon $36.00:

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Frontgate‘s  Lion Crest Monogram Starts at $99.50 & up:

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I’d love to see your doormats!  Whether they are traditional, seasonal, DYI etc … show me and leave your comments below!

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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Top 8 “Must Have” Items to Make Your Home Ready for Winter 2013!

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The Winter Season means something different to everyone!  Maybe you are looking forward to January 1st when you can start fresh with new goals or perhaps your kiddos will be home for two to four weeks for winter break.  Maybe you celebrate Hanukah or Christmas and are looking forward to entertaining family and friends or you simply love to cuddle up by the fire during the plummeting temperatures … or if you are like me who grew up in Northern Texas where it snows and freezes but you now live in Southern California you find any excuse to light a fire and buddle-up in a cozy blanket and create your own winter!

Over the next eight blog posts I will list the top eight items to have to make your home ready for Winter 2013!  No matter if you just want to have your home ready for yourself and a couple friends or if you are having a huge winter bash these eight items will leave your home memorable and inviting!

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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There’s a Gold Digger in My Garden & I Like It!

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Gold Digger, Candy Crush and White Snake: do they sound like the names of pop songs, video games and rock bands?  If you said yes, you are correct and wrong because they are just a few catchy names that your garden can sport! I love adding a little tongue and cheek to my wonderland and Garden Glory is helping us do just that! With their new line of garden hoses and reindeer wall mounts your gorgeous garden can be taken to the next level.  No matter if you are a masculine male or a feminine female the color choices will add a pop of whimsy to your outside space.  The cherry on top?  Animal motifes are all the rage this fall and this garden set would also make a great holiday or new house warming gift for any trendy homeowner!

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Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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