I talked to Santa! And he gave me the go-ahead to transform my kitchen nook for Christmas. Lol! What can I say? I’ve been nice. So, follow along as I whip this space into shape.
Backstory
I’ve lived in this apartment for the past 3 1/2 years. Truthfully, that wasn’t the plan. Year two, I was supposed to be out of here, so I thought. Life happened, and here I am, still in my undecorated apartment. Who knew?
The Plan
Is to complete the transformation before Christmas. So, I only have 5 weeks to get this done. I have some items on hand that I plan to use. But I will share that in a later post.
Are your ready to see what I’m working with?
There are two things that I love about this space. One the windows, and two, it has a view of the golf course.
One day while eating a York Peppermint Pattie ( Don’t you love those?) I got the sensation to decorate, and this is what happened! You can’t blame a gal for trying!
Now that we’ve covered that, I may as well give you the run down of what stays and goes. The table is only 39 inches. If I can find a larger one, it must go.
The chairs are from Pier 1. I found them at Goodwill for an incredible price. However, they were this color when I purchased them. I guess I’m not the only one that got the sensation to do something.
What do you think of my imitation antler chandelier? I purchased it from Goodwill for $12 and added the feather garland. I know it’s different but I love it.
If you look closely, you will notice that she’s missing an eye. Y’all, know I meant to say bulb. #blooper! Anywho, the chandelier stays. I promise on reveal day she will be lit!
I don’t think I need to address the window treatment, do you? But, you never know what I might do.
My darlings, Saturday was such a glorious day in Florida. The weather was perfect. So, I headed out to find some inspiration.
I’ll see you next week for another episode of Cozy Kitchen Makeover.
Do you think I can complete the makeover in time for Christmas? Have you ever had a “Peppermint Pattie” moment? If so, I would love to hear all about it!
Are you geared up for the coming Holidays? If not, now is a great time to implement your decorating vision for the season while the store shelves are overflowing with Christmas décor and whatever else is needed to make the season merry and bright.
Need help getting your creative juices flowing? The internet is inundated, with info on how to decorate your home for the holidays. It’s packed full of tips on setting the perfect table and how to stress-less during this time of year.
Did I mention I LOVE CHRISTMAS? I must admit I do. So, when it comes to decorating beautiful trees and creating festive tablescapes, I’m that girl!
Today, I’m here to show you how you can create an Elegant Table for Christmas. And as always, I will do it on a budget. So grab a cup of coffee, a fuzzy blanket, and get comfortable. The show is about to begin.
I had several ideas running through my head before I decided on this look. The dinnerware was my inspiration. I saw it at Home Goods and I had to have it! The color pallet evolved from there.
The tablescape was super simple to create. I used fabric swatches to create a one-of-a-kind table covering. You can see how I did it here. I introduced a set of candelabras accented with gold to add height and sparkle.
Next, I placed the miniature crystal trees in distressed pots. I love how they add a bit of whimsy and extra glimmer. Lastly, silver and gold ornaments from Big Lots and snowflakes from the Dollar Tree complete the look. I sprinkled salt on the table to imitate the look of snow. Go ahead, tell me that was a clever idea. I’m waiting! Lol
To break the monotony of the silver and white dinnerware, I switched out the salad plates, at the head of the table, for copper ones. And added scrumptious animal print bows. You like? The festive animal bows added another layer of interest to the table and a touch of the unexpected.
The goblets were another Home Goods find. I love the simple yet elegant Greek key design.
I think they make quite the statement!
All the elements. textures, colors, and patterns work together to create and elegant table. I think the animal print bows are the cats meow. Love em!
Check out the snow! It’s salt.
Since I owned all of the items except for the dinnerware, this elegant table cost me roughly $120. I think that’s pretty darn good. I know I could have created a similar look for less. However, my darlings some times you gottasplurgeto get some of the things you love. It’s the China for me!
So, what do you think of my Elegant Christmas Table? I think it looks amazing.
I would love to hear from you. Please leave your comments or questions.
Today, I decided to switch it up a bit and share some of my thrift store fashion finds for fall. However, if you want decorating tips, and ideas for fall/holidays, you can see them here, here, and here. Or you can read about one of my adventures here.
I love fashion, on a budget, of course. Fashion is one way I get to express myself. If I had to describe my fashion style, I guess it would be the same as my decorating style, eclectic. I’m big on mixing and matching and tailoring a look specific to my taste.
Even though I’m not a stickler for trends, I like to stay abreast of what’s going on in the industry, just for the sake of it.
I love pieces that are versatile/classic. For example, I like a denim jacket, a little black dress, and that pair of pumps that go with everything.
Some of the trends for this season, a play on patterns, bold colors, pinstripes, and flowy fabrics. I think it would be easier to say “anything goes.” Well, guess what, that’s right up my alley.
So, I took a walk to the closet, and looked inside to find clothes that would fit the bill for the season, and here’s what I came up with.
Since the trend is all about making a bold statement, I think this African ensemble fits the bill. I snagged it at a boutique in Thomasville, Georgia. for around $35. Even though the outfit is bold, I think it’s elegant too! My motto is, go bold or go home! Lol.
This dress is an iconic Lilli Ann. And I think the color is perfect for the season. A dear friend gave me the dress several years ago. The dress is so old now, it’s decomposing. If I could wear the dress, this is how I would rock it!
Did you know that pinstripes are back in fashion? Well, they have emerged once again. I found this pinstriped suit at my local Goodwill for a meager $6.97. I accessorized the pinstripe suit with items from my closet. I love how the purple accents elevate the look.
Every girl needs a little animal print and a little black dress. The black dress was another Goodwill find. The cost was $6.97. I adore this dress because it’s super comfortable, cute, and you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.
Don’t you think so too?
The jeans are probably a big no for the trend followers. I think ripped/raggedy jeans are on their way out. But who cares? I know, I don’t! So, the jeans stay!
Sorry fuzzy pic!
Does that expression look like one that cares about whether or not you like the outfit/jeans? I don’t think so! You have to admit, the outfit is lit!
Even if the jeans aren’t trending, a big beautiful smile is always in fashion. Can I get an amen?
So what do you think of my thrifted fashion for fall 2021? I think my choices suit me to a tee!
How many of you would love to do some decorating for the holidays. But your budget says you can’t. I’m not making fun of those on tight budgets. I’ve been there.
It’s easy to allow a bump in the road to dampen our mood and cause us to have a negative outlook. I’ve been there too. However, I’ve learned that what we go through is just moments in time. And eventually, our current situation/circumstance will pass. I hope what I just said made you feel better.
Now that I have your attention! If I could show you how to create an incredible space with little money, a dose of creativity, and lots of love, would you be interested? I heard you say yes. Be of good cheer, Zsa Zsa is here to help!
Are you stoked? Hopefully, you are. However, before we get to the good stuff, I have to share the story of how this, decorating on shoestring budget transpired.
Several years ago, our daughter made plans to spend Christmas with us. And I was super excited because my granddaughter was coming.
After our phone chat, I knew I wanted to create a fun and festive environment. I also knew that ye ole finances were on life support. So, I had to keep costs at a minimum. However, I wasn’t going to let that stop me.
I took inventory of my existing decorations, which included a white Christmas tree. You know the 6- foot one that needs tons of ornaments. The only good thing about this tree, it was pre-lit. I also had a wreath in good condition and several repurposed gift bags and boxes that I could use.
I concocted a plan, then set a $30 budget for Christmas décor and supplies. Lastly, I headed to the Dollar Tree for inspiration. Our granddaughter loves to play under the staircase when she visits. So, I thought the foyer would be the ideal setting to make a magical place for her. Did I mention her birthday is in December? Are you ready for the reveal?
Isn’t this space adorable? It’s just how I envisioned it, but better. It was colorful, fun, magical, and kid-approved. And it was super simple to create.
I strategically placed the fairy wings around the tree. Afterward, I filled in the existing gaps with tissue paper. I also used gift bags with yellow tissue paper to fill the space from the floor to the underside of the tree. Tissue paper also fills the spaces between the boxes and the bags. Not too shabby, huh? Be sure to read the entire post to find out the total cost of the transformation.
Honestly, the pictures don’t do this tree any justice. We struggled to capture the beauty of the tree. We took like a gazillion pictures. Where are Better Homes and Gardens when you need them? Lol!
I used the same technique for the garland as I did on the tree. I took the tissue paper and pinched it in the center. Then I ran my hand up the entire sheet of paper. By doing so, it gave the tissue paper a crinkled look. Lastly, I taped the pinched ends of the tissue paper to the stair rail. I kept doing this until the tissue paper garland was complete.
use what you have
I carried the theme to the console by adding, you guessed it, more tissue paper in the seashell!. The silver box was used to give the arrangement some sparkle and pizzazz.
The mirror received wings and a tad of tissue paper also. They add a touch of whimsy to the mirror.
The foyer chair was gussied up with a white pillow, a purple and fuchsia bow, a white fluffy throw, and a fairy wing, of course.
I added the lanterns because the texture and colors work perfectly, with the décor. On Christmas Eve, I will add the rest of the candles and light the lanterns.
Wreath before
You guessed it, more tissue paper. I used the same technique on the wreath with smaller pieces of paper.
I used the packaging from the tissue paper to cover the base/pole of the tree.
The gift bags filled with tissue paper served two purposes. First, they ground the tree. Secondly, the bags keep the eyes focused on the pretty stuff and not the mechanics.
I promised earlier that I would share the total cost of this project with you. So without any further ado, the total to decorate this space was a meager $22.47 tax included. I used fourteen fairy wings and seven packages of tissue paper. Did I mention, I used every single sheet of tissue paper?
I am so glad I didn’t allow a tight budget to deter me from creating this enchanted space. Our grandbaby loved it. Isn’t it amazing what you can accomplish with little money, tons of creativity, and lots of love?
I hope this post inspired you to get creative and make the most of what you have.
Did I mention I like to write short stories about my life? Well, I do. Enjoy!
Passengers, please take your seats. We are in the final descent of our flight. We will be landing in Denver, Colorado, within the next several minutes. I breathed a sigh of relief, put my seat in the upright position, and prepared for the landing.
Photos taken en route to Estes Park.
The flight hadn’t been a long one; however, since flying requires being in such close quarters, I was anxious to stand up, stretch my legs, and breathe in some fresh air. I quickly glanced over in the next aisle at my friend Mandy to give her the thumbs up and a big cheesy grin, but she was still in a reclined position with her eyes closed.
It was so cold, we couldn’t stop smiling. You can spot those Floridians anywhere.
Mandy and I usually vacation together once or sometimes twice per year. And this year was no exception. We tossed a few ideas around and finally agreed upon the beautiful town of Estes Park, Colorado. Estes is about 1 ½ hour north of Denver. We decided on this destination because of the laid-back atmosphere, stunning mountainous terrain, and the wildlife that roams around so freely.
As the plane landed, the Pilot gave his final instructions/farewell. As I stood up to stretch and survey the passengers on board, I noticed a strikingly handsome man seated two rows back on my left. Our eyes met briefly, and I immediately sat down and diverted my attention elsewhere.
Mandy and I gathered our belongings and waited to exit the plane. Upon leaving the plane, Mandy’s phone rang, and a rude obtrusive voice stated, “I cannot wait any longer. You have missed your 10:00 a.m. shuttle, and I will not be back until 1:00.” At that point, Mandy and I agreed; we were not going to let anyone/anything ruin our vacation. So we put on our happy faces and struck out to find the baggage claim area.
Since the airport was under major construction and the phone call with the shuttle company had taken longer than anticipated, we lost sight of passengers that traveled on our flight. “Where is baggage claim?” I asked. Mandy looked at me with a blank stare. So, instead of navigating our way through the airport, we followed the crowd.
After several minutes of walking and no sign of baggage claim, we were beginning to wonder if the group knew where they were going. Eventually, following the crowd paid off. It led us to the shuttle that would take us to baggage claim. Several people were waiting to board the shuttle. Low and behold, I found myself standing behind the strikingly handsome guy from the plane.
Shuttle, please take your time. You can shut down for the rest of the day. I was enjoying the view and it was NICE! Tall, handsome, and distinguished are a few descriptive words that came to mind. He was wearing a black leather bomber jacket, Denver Nuggets jersey, blue jeans, and blue/white sneakers. His bronze complexion, silver/black hair, and goat tee added a touch of ruggedness that I liked!
I wish I had a picture of that mighty fine man. Since I don’t, the buck stops here!I know that went over your head! Lol.
Thirty-five seconds remained until the next train, so I took one last look at this fearfully and wonderfully made creation, and sighed sheepishly. Immediately, the doors of the shuttle opened. And the waiting crowd charged the space; like a fighting Bull intent on trampling the Matador along with his entourage.
It was my time to board, and there was just enough room for me to fit somewhat comfortably in the cabin. However, as I stepped onto the shuttle, the young man behind me decided it was now or never. So, he stepped in front of me as I was getting ready to claim the spot.
As the doors began to close, I frantically made an effort to remove myself from its path. However, the train overflowed with passengers, so my attempt failed.
I saw the door closing in what I considered to be slow motion. I felt the door when it struck my carry-on as well as the side of my leg. At the same time, I became aware of someone firmly gripping my jacket from behind in a way that conveyed, don’t worry, I got you! Someone behind me pulled me safely out of harm’s way as the doors completely shut.
As Snuffy Smith might say, It was cold in them there mountains. Say cheese Mandy!
Mandy looked over at me and asked if I were ok since she had witnessed what happened. I gave her a quick nod of the head as I scrambled to balance myself on the already moving vehicle. As I reached for the strap, I looked over my shoulder, and Mr. Gorgeous himself was the one who had taken hold of my jacket and pulled me safely into the shuttle.
As the train forged ahead down the tracks, my rescuer was trying to use the ceiling in an attempt to steady his 6 feet 5-inch frame. I looked up at him and said, “You can share my strap.” He immediately grabbed hold as the shuttle plowed its way to the next drop-off point.
Within a few minutes, the train came to an abrupt halt, and the passengers started to exit. The voice from my protector behind me said, “This is not your stop; it’s the next one.” (I melted) So, I stayed put!
Finally, the train reached its destination. And as I stepped onto the platform, I touched the shoulder of my rescuer ever so gently and said in my sweetest voice, “Thank you for saving me.”
The Stanley Hotel
I was so captivated by his presence that his response was sort of like background music in a restaurant. You hear the song playing, but you can’t decipher the lyrics. I remember saying to myself, while he was speaking, “He would go good with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.”
via
Once his lips stopped moving, and since I wasn’t for sure about what he’d said, I quickly flashed him my million-dollar smile and gingerly walked beside him. As we reached the escalator, he gave me the signal to go ahead of him, and I did. “Wow, who is this man,” I thought to myself.
Finally, we reached the baggage claim area. And wouldn’t you know my guardian angel’s luggage was the first to arrive? As he reached down and pulled the suitcase from the carousel and set it upright on the floor, I thanked him again for his act of kindness. He smiled and said, “You ladies enjoy the rest of your day. Then, “The Man on the Shuttle” turned and disappeared into the bustling crowd.
Enjoy the rest of the pics!
I would love to hear from you! Don’t forget to subscribe and share.
Have you had your coffee today? That’s a yes for me!. Last week, I treated myself to my very own DIY coffee bar. And I am here to give you the scoop on how I did it.
I love coffee. It’s part of my daily routine. For several months, I played around with the idea of creating a mini coffee bar. One minute I was gung ho, and the next, not so much. One of the main reasons I put the station on the back burner, the space in my kitchen is limited. And, I did not want the area to look/feel cluttered.. Well, last week, I threw caution to the wind, bit the DIY bullet, and made it happen. It took me a few days to come up with a plan. Eventually, I came up with the idea that best suited my needs.
I used items I had on hand, and I carved out an itty bitty space (19×13 inches) for myself and Mr. Coffee. I love me some him. Lol. By the way, the tray measures 19×13 inches, just in case you were wondering. Are you ready to see it? Drum roll, please!
Isn’t she lovely? Isn’t she wonderful? Now, back to our regularly scheduled post. The tray was my inspiration. I knew that all the items must fit inside the space with ease. I shopped my house and pulled out an assortment of things before I decided on the items pictured.
This tray was just what the Dr. ordered. The size and shape were perfect. And the icing on the cake, the inside is waterproof. So, I do not worry about spills damaging the wood.
I am a firm believer in using what you have. Since space was limited, I needed to find adequate storage to fit the bill. The container to the far left housed cotton balls previously. Now, it holds the tea. The mason jars were perfect for storing the coffee. The opening is large/wide enough to insert a tablespoon with ease. And, the small containers are great for keeping the spices I add to my coffee.
I had stickers from a previous project, and I used them to label the spice containers. I may do printable labels later, but the handwritten ones will work for now. I found the containers at the Dollar Tree. I think it was a 10 in the pack.
BEFOREAFTER
For Christmas, I’m thinking about upgrading to a Keurig Mini, we’ll see.
So, what do you think? My darlings, I love my itty bitty coffee bar. It is super cute, organized, and it is an excellent use of space.
I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment. Thank you!
I hope your week is going great thus far. Today, I wanted to share pics of a client project. The client asked if we could add touches of fall to her existing décor. The homeowner wanted to keep things simple, and she wanted the fall additions to flow seamlessly with the existing décor. When it was all said and done the homeowners loved it!
By the way, I created the custom wreaths and floral arrangements. Enjoy the Pics!
So, what do you think? My client loved it, and I did too.
Have you started/finished decorating for fall? I’d love to hear from you!
Today, I’m popping in to share my Easy DIY Fall Wreath; I created using left over items from my floral bin. It was super easy. However, it did require patience. I used a sunburst grapevine wreath, berries, willow, and cattail floral stems.
I purchased this wreath a while ago, and somehow it got lost in the shuffle. Instead of spending money on another wreath, I figured I would use this one. Creepy huh? But wait until you see the after photo.
To make the wreath, I used willow and cattails; from a previous project. I wanted to see what I could come up with using what I had on hand. I purchased the willow at the Dollar Tree and the Cattails from Southern Hospitality.
The goal was to fill in all the sparse areas with floral stems. So, I cut the willow off the stem and glued the pieces to the wreath individually. I think I used 8 willow stems for this project. Sorry I didn’t keep count.
Here’s the wreath! It’s was super simple and easy to create. I decided not to use the cattails. I think the wreath looks good without them. I added the berries for extra color and to give the wreath a finished look. So, what do you think?
Are you ready to tackle a DIY wreath? I would love to hear from you!
I hope all in well in your neck of the woods, and you are anticipating good things, for the season.
I look forward to this time of year. It signifies that the Holidays are just around the corner, and cool temps are on the way.
Since I live in the Sunshine State, there isn’t a change in the season. One day the leaves are green, and the next day they are gone. Decorating my space for fall allows me to bring the colors of the season inside.
On Monday, I posted one of my Fall Tablescapes. You can read about it here. Today, I’m back with five quick and easy table setting ideas you can customize to your liking. Hopefully, these simple ideas will inspire you to create a fabulous table, darlings.
Number 1 A table for two overlooking the beach, sounds romantic.
I love the aqua, peach, and white place setting. It has a simple elegance. I purchased the placemats at Dillard’s during their extra percentage off sale. I shopped my house and put this look together in no time. All I did was fold the napkin to my liking and added the floral stem. That’s it!
Who says you have to stick to traditional fall colors/themes? I haven’t read that anywhere, have you? When it comes to decorating anything, my motto is “do what you love.” All you have to do is decide what tickles your fancy and start there. The possibilities are endless.
Number 2 Island Life
This setting is a casual but fun look for Fall. It whisk you away to a cabana on some remote island. I gotta stop watching so much TV. The polka dot tablecloth is fabric cut straight off the bolt. I think it adds a playful touch to the table. The raffia placemat screams, ‘it ain’t that serious, we casual up in here”. The plates mimic the colors of Fall, while the white napkin keeps things light and crisp.
Number 3
Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns. The tablecloth is fabric cut straight off the bolt. I paired it with a zebra placemat. You know how I love animal print!
The bamboo-trimmed plate is a favorite of mine. The salad plate adds a pop of color, and the pumpkin napkin pulls everything together. The patterns compliment each other nicely. Are you ready to set your table?
Number 4
What do you think about this look? It’s a win in my book. I chose an all-white scheme, for this setting. However, the leaf is a clear indicator of the season. This table can take you through the Holiday’s. You can replace the fall leaf with a tiny gift box, or whatever goes with your holiday theme. I call that Christmas in an instant.
I almost forgot! The tablecloth is two lace curtain panels. (pretty) And the placemats/plates are not the same, but that’s ok. They add more interest, texture, and charm to the all-white table. I must confess, the napkin in the glass was not easy at all. Sorry! I played around with it until I got the look I desired.
Number 5
I call this “Fall Gone Wild.” Y’ all, I couldn’t resist. I had to do a table featuring the animal print. The black tablecloth is more fabric cut from the bolt. That’s a reoccurring theme around here. So, go buy some fabric that catches your eye. (on sale, of course) And use it instead of a tablecloth. You won’t regret it.
Can you believe the animal overlay is a throw/blanket? It gives the table an unexpected but needed jolt. I like it. I like it. I really like it! To add a bit of sparkle to the table, I chose a bronze salad plate and a gold pumpkin with bronze and champaign-colored leaves. I will post about the entire table soon.
So, that’s it, my darlings. I hope these 5 Quick and Easy Fall Table Setting ideas inspire you to create a beautiful table to share with family and friends. Happy Fall!
Are you decorating your table for fall? I’d love to hear from you.
It’s been awhile since my last post. There’s been a lot going on around here. But anywho, I’m back. As we all know, fall is only a few days away. So I decided today would be a great day to share one of my fall tablescapes.
I love the birds. They look like they are ready to join the festivities.
When creating a tablescape, I like using items I have on hand. I only have one rule when it comes to putting the table together. It has to look good! Most of the time, I select the China and start there. On occasion, I select items randomly to see where it leads. Believe it or not, the latter approach works. I love this approach because it gives me free rain to express myself. After all, your creations/designs should be a reflection of you, and how you live. Right?
For this tablescape, I wanted to use a tablecloth. However, I didn’t have one, nor did I want to buy one. So, I got creative, and I used swatches from one of my sample books.
This tablecloth idea is not for the faint -hearted.
I love all the different colors and textures. Yes, there are several different patterns, twenty in all. However, they work! Wait until you see the finished product. I think you’re going to love it!
After weighing my china options, I decided that the blue and white Spode would add impact/drama. I think it elevated the look of the table. The addition of the cute little white pumpkins gives the eye a place to rest. Can you believe I purchased them at the Dollar Tree?
sorry blurry pic.
I chose two different napkins, a print and a solid. Now, there are a total of twenty-three fabrics on the table. (including the china) I guess it’s safe to say I’m not afraid to use pattern! The burgundy chargers ground the place settings, and it gives the eye another place to rest.
Guys, I love animal print, and I couldn’t resist adding the printed goblet. My motto, is “Every room needs a little animal print.” If my math serves me correctly, there are twenty-four patterns on the table. I promise that was the last pattern. You like?
The centerpiece was super simple. I placed a preexisting wreath on the table and added a lantern and a burgundy candle.
I love this tablescape. It is a prime example of using what you have and making it work. All the elements play off of each other by giving the table a cohesive look. My favorite things are the fabric swatches turned tablecloth and the white pumpkins.
I used animal print ornaments and potpourri instead of candles.
Enjoy the rest of the pics!
Do you like using multiple patterns? I would love to hear from you.
They Call Me Zsa Zsa 