Lady came into our lives late one night while we were on the way to pick up some dinner, running straight at our headlights, out of the darkness.  We spent most of the following day trying to find her ...]]> Hi everyone!  Rachel here for Furbaby Friday!  As some of you might know, we like dogs in our household.  That is kind of an understatement – we love dogs!  And we are now the proud parents of dog #5 – Lady the Labrador.

Lady came into our lives late one night while we were on the way to pick up some dinner, running straight at our headlights, out of the darkness.  We spent most of the following day trying to find her owner – checking for a microchip, driving around all the nearby neighborhoods to look for “Lost” posters, printing and posting our own “Found” posters all over the area, and posting ads online at Pets911.com and Craigslist.  After 4 weeks and no inquiries, we just couldn’t believe that somebody hadn’t come forward to claim such a well-behaved (for a 1 year old!), sweet, and healthy dog.  After losing our big dog last November, it was almost like it was meant to be.

1) Her favorite toy?  Tennis balls, anything that squeeks, rope toys….. she’s 1, so really anything she can get her mouth on she loves.  Including her brother JJ, her best furr-buddy (see him in the background above, with a big smile??).

2) Her favorite treat is ice.  Really!  We can’t even give ice to any of the other dogs because she’ll steal it from them!  She also really likes Milkbones, cheese, and apples.

3) Her favorite place to nap is curled up right next to someone, preferably one of us, of course!  Have I mentioned that she thinks she’s a little dog??

4) Her favorite place to go is most definitely her training class at PetsMart!  She’s realized that when we go there, she gets lots and lots and lots of treats.  Sometimes whole bagfuls.  Her second favorite place to go to is the dog park to chase frisbees and tennis balls.

5) Lady’s best move is definitely “sit” right now.  She’s learning to lay down, and all the other great stuff they teach you in beginner classes, but she has “sit” down pat.  She’s learned that most of the time, if she comes up to you and sits, she’ll get lots of love and attention (and possibly a treat!).

Want to have your little one featured on Furbaby Friday?  Send an email with furbaby pictures to [living at elizabeth anne designs dot com] with the subject “Furbaby Friday” with your furbaby photos (at least 600px in width please), a couple of sentences about their stinkin’ cute personalities, and answer these questions on their behalf:

1) Favorite toy
2) Favorite treat
3) Favorite place to nap
4) Favorite travel destination (ex: petsmart, grandma’s house, the park, etc)
5) Best trick (or as I like to say “best move” – as in, Charlie’s adorable stretch where he pulls his little wrists up to his face and then pushes his arms down his chest is his best move!)

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 2 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Pets

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Green is such a pretty and versatile color, and I’ve been seeing it more and more in magazines and on TV interiors.  I’m getting ready to re-do our guest bathroom, and  it’s made me rethink the color I thought I wanted to paint the walls.  Now I’m thinking green.

Here’s a ...]]> Remember when you saw sage green all over?  I’m old enough to remember hunter green – my ninth grade bedroom was hunter green with burgundy.  How about teal?  Kelly green?  Celery?

Green is such a pretty and versatile color, and I’ve been seeing it more and more in magazines and on TV interiors.  I’m getting ready to re-do our guest bathroom, and  it’s made me rethink the color I thought I wanted to paint the walls.  Now I’m thinking green.

Here’s a little inspiration:

Soft green, gray green, dark green, yellow greens… It’s hard for me to decide!  What do you think?  Do you have any favorite greens in your home?

Image credits: GardenWeb, GardenWeb, Apartment Therapy, Apartment Therapy, Decorpad, House Beautiful, Photo by Anna Williams, from Furnishing Forward by Sheila Bridges, Katy Elliott, Pink Wallpaper

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 4 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Decor

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{image via Coastal Living}

A beautiful entry hall.  A place to set your keys, the mail, your purse.  And a mirror to check your makeup and hair before you run out the door.

Even in the smallest entry, you can carve out a space like this with a small table or dresser, a mirror, a lamp and rug, and – if you have room – a small chair (although, I would leave out the faux rhino head!).

{image ...]]> We’ve all seen pictures like this:

{image via Coastal Living}

A beautiful entry hall.  A place to set your keys, the mail, your purse.  And a mirror to check your makeup and hair before you run out the door.

Even in the smallest entry, you can carve out a space like this with a small table or dresser, a mirror, a lamp and rug, and – if you have room – a small chair (although, I would leave out the faux rhino head!).

{image via Southern Living}

To get the look, you could start with one of these:

{image via Ballard Designs}

{image via Stark Carpet}

And then add something like one of these:

{image via Wisteria}

{image via Overstock.com}

{image via Wisteria}

Don’t forget a mirror:

{image via Ballard Designs}

{image via Ballard Designs}

a lamp:

{image via Ballard Designs}

{image via West Elm}

a place to drop your keys:

{image via Wisteria}

{image via Ballard Designs}

Add a chair and some accessories, if you have room:

{image via Ikea}

{image via Wisteria}

When you’re finished, you’ll end up with a pretty and functional entryway – kind of like this one:

Entry Hall layout by Racheltx on Polyvore.com

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 3 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Decor

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One of the influences I’m seeing everywhere is nautical.  It seems like the water beckons us whenever the temperatures rise, so it makes sense that this is such a classic look for spring and summer.

{images ...]]> Hi there!  I hope everyone has survived this brutal winter we’ve had!  Luckily, Springtime is just around the corner with some warmer weather to lift our spirits.  And along with the new flowers coming up, there’s lots of cute new fashions and accessories for your home.

One of the influences I’m seeing everywhere is nautical.  It seems like the water beckons us whenever the temperatures rise, so it makes sense that this is such a classic look for spring and summer.

{images via Ann Taylor Loft and JCrew}

Stripes are EVERYWHERE!  There are so many cute striped tees out there – I already have 2!

{images via Google Images and Flickr}

Natural elements like cotton and jute are showing up on accessories and shoes.

{images via Lands End, Zappos, Canadian House & Home, and Ballard Designs}

So what do you think of nautical style?

{images via Amazon.com and Bayan Hippo on Etsy}

Is it something that floats your boat, or do you like to keep your feet planted firmly on dry land?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 3 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Decor, Fashion

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Pantone describes it as a “dynamic reddish pink” and calls it “encouraging and uplifting”.   So why did they choose it?  “Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor.”

In the coming year, you’ll see shades of honeysuckle ...]]> With the new year upon us, there are all sorts of experts out there predicting what we’ll see and love in 2011.  One of them, the Pantone Color Institute, has predicted that THE color of the year will be….. drumroll, please…. HONEYSUCKLE!

Pantone describes it as a “dynamic reddish pink” and calls it “encouraging and uplifting”.   So why did they choose it?  “Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor.”

In the coming year, you’ll see shades of honeysuckle in everything from fashion, to home decor, and even in marketing and advertising.

While I agree with Pantone that it is a happy and uplifting color, when it comes to your home it may be best to use it in smaller doses (unless you’re like my mom, who painted our living room this color back when I was in junior high, much to the dismay of my dad).   Here are some ideas:

Pillows and throws

Artwork

Bedding

Towels

Accessories

And finally, if you just can’t commit to any of these, how about a pretty bouquet of flowers?

What do you think?  Is Honeysuckle a color you would use at home?  Or would you rather wear it?  What colors are you being drawn to right now?

picture credits:  Pantone, Necklace/Blake Lively/Shoes via Shine on Yahoo,  Decorology,  Art.com/Etsy, Massucco Warner Miller, Seltzer Studios, Flickr, Rhonna Designs

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Decor

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Here is a list of the traditional ...]]> November 15 was my second wedding anniversary, and this year I decided to give Chris a present that followed the more traditional gifts that are outlined by year.  For the second anniversary, tradition follows that the gift be cotton.  Since we don’t actually live by any cotton fields, and a cotton ball is a little silly, I decided to get Chris a cotton sweater he can wear now that the days are getting chilly.

Here is a list of the traditional anniversary gifts by year, and some ideas for how to translate them into some great gifts!

First Anniversary: Paper

This one can be as simple as a hand-written love letter or poem, or a favorite book.  A magazine subscription to a favorite magazine.  You could also gift a piece of artwork - a print, some photography, a vintage poster or map.  Tickets to a movie, play, or sporting event are fun, or if you have been planning ahead, how about plane tickets for a romantic getaway!

Second Anniversary: Cotton

You could be like me, and gift a piece of cotton clothing whether it be a sweater, jeans, or a t-shirt.  Your gift could also be a soft bathrobe, some nice new towels for both of you, or some really nice high thread-count sheets!

Third Anniversary: Leather

Leather is easy to translate into a gift!  A new wallet, purse or briefcase, shoes, or a belt.  A leather desk organizer, or other leather home accessories – like picture frames, a photo album, or even some new furniture.

Fourth Anniversary: Fruit and Flowers

While this may seem pretty self-explanatory, you can think outside of the box on this one.  If you have a garden, how about some plants or a new tree?  You could also give something that has a picture of fruit or flowers on it like artwork, a piece of clothing, or even jewelry that represents one of them in form.  If you are a good cook, you could even bake a pie!

Fifth Anniversary:  Wood

Like leather, wood can be such a versatile gift!  Things like jewelry boxes, furniture, or artwork are all nice presents.  But how about something hand-carved, a special frame for a picture, or even some firewood for a romantic dinner by the fire?  If you’re in the process of fixing up your home, a wooden present could be anything from supplies like building materials to new wood floors.

I’ve always thought that these guidelines for anniversary gifts were fun – sixth is candy or iron, seventh is copper or wool, eighth is bronze or pottery, ninth is pottery or willow, and tenth is tin or aluminum.  There are so many ways to get creative and personal within these guidelines for gifts.  Have you been following them for your anniversary gifts?

{Image credits: Historic Maps Restored, Miles Redd via Town & Country, Google Images, Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge}

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 2 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Gift Guides

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What are you doing for Halloween this year?  Do you like to decorate?

*pictures from: Interior-Design-It-Yourself.com, CozyStyle, Apartment Therapy, Design Shrine, Kelly Edwards Inc., Country Living, Design Editor, Martha Stewart, Mix Mingle Glow, Tip Junkie, Martha Stewart, Instructables, Chic Tip

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · Comments · StumbleUpon It! Posted in: Decor, Holidays Follow Ami on Twitter · Join us at EAD Weddings ...]]> To get everyone in the mood for this weekend, and maybe to inspire some last minute ideas, here are some spooky halloween decorating images!

What are you doing for Halloween this year?  Do you like to decorate?

*pictures from: Interior-Design-It-Yourself.com, CozyStyle, Apartment Therapy, Design Shrine, Kelly Edwards Inc., Country Living, Design Editor, Martha Stewart, Mix Mingle Glow, Tip Junkie, Martha Stewart, Instructables, Chic Tip

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Posted in: Decor, Holidays

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Growing up, my grandmother always had these in her house around the holidays, so the smell of clove studded orange pommanders really brings back fond holiday memories for me.   While making these may seem old-fashioned, it’s easy to do, and their scent can fill a room.

What you’ll need:

Clean and unblemished oranges:

Whole cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and groung cloves:

You’ll also need a pen or marker, and something ...]]>
{Images credited to (clockwise): Google Images, the Lady blog,  Porter House Designs, and Right at Home}

Growing up, my grandmother always had these in her house around the holidays, so the smell of clove studded orange pommanders really brings back fond holiday memories for me.   While making these may seem old-fashioned, it’s easy to do, and their scent can fill a room.

What you’ll need:

Clean and unblemished oranges:

Whole cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and groung cloves:

You’ll also need a pen or marker, and something to poke holes in the rinds (like a small nail, strong toothpick, ice-pick, or wine bottle opener).

Directions:

After cleaning and drying off your oranges, find a comfortable place to work…

and try to avoid the pleading eyes of the dog who loooooves fruit.

You can use your marker to draw out a pattern on your orange (simple patterns and stripes may not need this step).  If you’d like to hang these with some ribbons, you can also use masking tape to tape off the area where the ribbons will go.

Next, use your instrument of choice to poke holes in the orange rind (not too deep, but deep enough to fully pierce the rind).  After that, you’ll push the whole cloves into these holes (still trying to avoid the eyes of the hungry and persistant dog).

After you’ve covered your orange with the cloves (the more cloves, the better the smell and the better they will dry), you will combine the remaining spices in a bowl to sprinkle your oranges with.  I generally use more cinnamon than the rest.

If you’d like to really preserve your oranges for more than the season, you can also add a little Orris Root to this mixture.  Some people have sensitivity to Orris Root, though, and it can be hard to find.

Make sure to cover the entire orange, especially around the cloves.

Once you’ve covered all your oranges with the spice mixture,  place them in a paper bag and close the top.  Store them in a cool, dark, and (very importantly) dry place for about 2 to4 weeks until the fruit has dried out.  You can periodically check on them – you can tell when they’re completely dry because they’ll have shrunk and sound a little hollow.

Once they are dry, you’re ready to bring them out and enjoy!  Place them in a bowl, or hang them with some ribbon, and enjoy their frangrance through the holidays and into the new year!

{Images courtesy of Author’s Personal Collection}

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 3 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Crafts, Holidays

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Here are some tips and ideas for your next get-together.

One of the easiest tips is to pick a color scheme and use it in everything you can.  Like the photo above, or the one below, color can be a powerful unifying theme.

Another easy way to ...]]> This time of year there’s lots of opportunities for hosting parties, from football games to Halloween and Thanksgiving.  And decorating for them doesn’t have to cost you a bundle – all you need is a little creativity and planning.

Here are some tips and ideas for your next get-together.

One of the easiest tips is to pick a color scheme and use it in everything you can.  Like the photo above, or the one below, color can be a powerful unifying theme.

Another easy way to decorate is to use things you already have.  Do you have any pretty plants?  You can use them as centerpieces.

And don’t worry if you don’t have enough wine or drink glasses for everyone, mis-matched glasses can be really charming (and it also makes it easy for people to remember which glass is theirs)!   If you only have 3 and need 10 – local thrift stores are great for finding interesting vintage glasses for little money.

Speaking of drinks, are you serving a signature drink?  Do you need something to stir them with?  Lollipops are cute and functional, and add a pop of color.

If you do need to buy some supplies to help you decorate, there are lots of places other than just party stores you can use.   Home improvement stores, dollar stores, and the supermarket, just to name a few.

Drop cloths can be used for table cloths:

Bandanas come in every color imaginable, and can make great napkins:

Dollar stores often have great deals on votive holders and simple vases.  Simple cyllindrical vases can be filled up with fruit, simple floral arrangments, or candles:

And coffee beans or lentils can be great fillers around candles:

Do you like to get crafty?  If you have some time before your party, there are lots of things you can make inexpensively.  A plate glued on top of a chunky candlestick can become a cake stand:

Old vintage bottles can become a pretty centerpiece when coated on the inside with paint:

Unless it’s a special occasion, parties really don’t need to cost a fortune to throw.   All that matters is that everyone enjoys themselves and has a good time!

Do you have any great party decor tips, anything you’ve used before?

*pictures from: Apartment Therapy, Young House Love, Brick City Love, Centsational Girl, Real Simple, Google Images, Google Images, Dollar Tree, Rachel Ray, Prudent Baby, Martha Stewart

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 1 comment · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Entertaining

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Recently, I found some fabric online to match my now discontinued bedskirt from Pottery Barn.  I was so excited because I knew I could use it to make some matching pillow shams for our bed!   But you could use any fabric you want to make shams, so the possibilities are endless.  ...]]> Pillow shams can add color and comfort to your bed, and they’re so easy to make!  Seriously, if you can sew a square, then you can make a pillow sham.

Recently, I found some fabric online to match my now discontinued bedskirt from Pottery Barn.  I was so excited because I knew I could use it to make some matching pillow shams for our bed!   But you could use any fabric you want to make shams, so the possibilities are endless.  You can make a custom look for your bedroom for the cost of a couple yards of fabric.

Here’s how to do it:

Select the fabric you want to use – you’ll need 2 yards per sham (add more if you are using a really large-scaled pattern).  Each sham, when finished, will measure 30″ wide x 24″ tall.

Pre-wash and iron the fabric, if needed.

On a flat surface, lay out your fabric and decide what part of the pattern you want to center.  If you are using a solid color, you don’t have to worry about this.

Once you have this determined, and keeping the part of the pattern you’ve selected in the center, measure out a rectangle that is 31″ to 32″ wide and 25″ to 26″ tall.  This will be the front of your sham, and the overrage allows for your hems.

For the back, you can center the pattern, but it’s not really going to matter as much because the envelope closure will overlap in the center on the back.   You’ll need to cut a rectangle that is 36″ to 37″  wide and 25″ to 26″ tall.  The extra width will allow for your hems as well as a 2″ to 3″ overlap for the envelope closure.

Once you have the 37″ x 26″ rectangle cut out, fold it in half across the width and cut it in half so you end up with two smaller rectangles that are 18″ to 18.5″ wide and 25″ to 26″ tall.

We’re going to work on these back pieces first.

Take the edge you just cut (25″ to 26″ tall), then fold and iron over approximately 1/2″ of the fabric (from the front side of the fabric to the back) to form the hem.

Do this on both of the smaller rectangles that will form the back of the sham, but only on the edges that are going to overlap for the envelope closure.  Now, sew the hem down making sure to back-stitch at the beginning and end of the run.  Do not sew any other side just yet.

Now that you have those edges hemmed, we’re ready to start sewing the sham together.   Lay the front of the sham fabric face up, and then lay the two back pieces on top, fabric face down.  Line up the outside edges, and make sure the back pieces are overlapped about 2″ or so.  Make sure the “good” sides of the fabric are all faced inward toward each other.

Pin all of this into place, and then sew around the entire sham edges, with about a 1/2″ hem (make sure to back-stitch at the beginning and end).

With the front and back pieces all sewn together, turn the sham out so that the “good” side of the fabric is facing outwards.  Back to the iron!  Iron the sham edges so everything is straight and flat.

Measure 3″ from the edges inward – this will be the flange around the sham.  Using pins, mark or pin around your sham the 3″  in for the flange – creating a little rectange that will be 24″ wide x 18″ tall.

Once this is finished, you’re ready to sew.  Sew along your pins or marks, three inches from the outside edge, following the shape of your sham.  Do not sew all the way to or from the edges of the sham – make sure you start sewing 3″ into your sham.

Guess what?? You’re done!

Put a standard sized bed pillow into your sham, and pat yourself on the back.  Pour yourself a glass of wine (if you like) and admire your handiwork!

*all images from author’s personal collection.

© Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2010 · Permalink · 13 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: Crafts

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