Any Lost fans out there?

10 'Lost' auction items that will really tie the whole room together

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/celebritology/2010/08/10_lost_auction_items_that_wil.html

Finds under $50...National Peach Month!

Peaches for you....peaches for me...

Lovely retro inspired shower curtain from Bed Bath & Beyond, only $39.99.

Also from Bed, Bath & Beyond - Tommy Bahama placemats & napkins. Nothing says summer like Tommy Bahama!

Peach scented soap...Yum!

Love these florals from Pier 1. Only $19.99 each!

8 Ways to become your Own Best Decorator

Great tips from Oprah.com on becoming YOUR own designer!

http://bit.ly/bq5tqg

Do’s and Don’ts of Design…Small Spaces

DO Find furniture pieces that do "double duty".

Check out places like Ikea that cater to smaller spaces. Use a storage ottoman as your coffee table. A bookshelf makes a great room divider and adds tons of storage space.

DON'T Think you need to use only light colors.

We've all heard that dark colors can make a room appear smaller. Wrong! Deep, rich colors add warmth and depth to a space. To make a space seem larger, paint a dark tone on the farthest wall.

DO Use proper lighting.

Overhead lighting from chandeliers always makes a room feel bigger and brighter. Choose crystal for even more illumination.

DON'T Over-stuff with furniture...or use overstuffed furniture.

Think clean and simple when it comes to decorating small spaces. Using items that are too large will only make the space feel smaller.

Finds under $50...Beat the heat!

Yes, we live in the desert. And yes, we expect it to be hot in the summer. But, is it just me, or has this summer been more brutal than usual?!?

Here are some inexpensive ways to beat the heat!

A misting system is a perfect way to make your patio bearable during the Phoenix summer. This easy do-it-yourself kit is only $25.99 from Amazon.
Nothing says cold like a refreshing glass of Sangria. This beautiful 7-piece set is only $38.95.

I'm amazed that you can find a stylish fan for under $50. This one from Lowe's comes in at only $44.97!Can't get much colder than ice! I love the clean, simple lines of this ice bucket from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

And finally, if you can't beat it - join it! Or at least you can pretend it's winter with this firepit.

Do's and Don'ts of Design...Wall Treatments

DO Think wallpaper again. We've come a long way since the 1970's orange and avocado green mushroom-laden prints :) There are tons of new and fresh wallpaper designs out there - from updated grass cloth to stunning beaded papers (via Maya Romanoff).

DON'T Use primary colors for your overall paint color. Unless you run a preschool out of your home that is. Choose an overall neutral, and accent certain walls with color.

DO Paint over that old paneling instead of completely removing it (which may be virtually impossible anyway). This will give your room a bright, new look instantly!

DON'T Try faux finishing yourself. Leave this to the true artists and professionals. It's much harder than it looks - trust me!

Finds under $50...Fauxidermy

I have to say, I am personally against hunting. Anything once living mounted to a wall, not so appealing to me. However - I do find it fascinating as art. So I was excited to see a new trend called "fauxidermy". No taxidermist (or hunting) required!


Here are 2 great ceramic "fauxidermy" options from Z Gallerie. Only $49.95 each!


Adorable little safari hook from Urban Outfitters for only $12.



Another idea from Urban Outfitters. Added bonus - it's cardboard and recyclable!